Tenosynovitis and Tendonitis in multiple joints, what can cause this?

In the last few years I have been diagnosed with tendonitis, tenosynovitis, and tendonopathy in my feet, wrists, thumbs, shoulders, and also as having shinsplints.

I have similar types of pains in my elbows and ankles.

I have been told that it is all coincidental and have done the route of physio, NSAIDs, etc. but every year new pains occur.

Are there any underlying medical reasons for tendonitis in multiple joints?

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Joshua Answers:

Hello T.

So let me get this right. You have various muscle and tendon pain in multiple locations across your body, and a doctor told you that this was coincidental?

SERIOUSLY? COINCIDENTAL?!? Like, you just HAPPEN to be getting tendon issues and pain dynamic over your entire body and it's just a COINCIDENCE?

WTF???

That doesn't surprise me, but it does blow my mind. Every single time that I hear a story like this.

Your doctor has NO idea what he's talking about.

So, moving onto your question about what can cause a scenario like yours. I have several things to say about that, but first let me ask some questions so I know more and so I'm for sure on the right track.

Questions:

1. Start from the beginning and give me a description of HOW and WHEN this all started.

Comments for Tenosynovitis and Tendonitis in multiple joints, what can cause this?

PART 2 - Tenosynovitis and Tendonitis in multiple joints, what can cause this?by: T

You had asked some questions about my multiple joint pains. Below are the answers.

1. Start from the beginning and give me a description of HOW and WHEN this all started.

In general, all problems are worse on the right side, though, in my cases the left side also hurts.

Initial joint problem started 8 years ago. Patella femoral syndrome cause by overprotonation (maybe?).
6 years ago, tendonapathy/cervicle neck strain in my shoulders, caused by poor postural muscles. 5 years ago, tendonitis in only my right thumb (followed by tendonitis in my left about 4 years ago, this is on again off again pain).

I am told it was caused by overuse/job related - different jobs though, I've had the problem at three different jobs. Three years ago, lower back problems. Two years ago tendonitis on the top parts of my feet, caused by overprotonation/overuse/maybe driving.

Around that time, pain in the elbows whenever things were carried. One year ago, tendonitis in my wrist, caused by planting flowers?. More recently, hip pains, and ankle pains. I may have missed some, I can't remember them all anymore.

My job tends to have times (7-8 months of the year) with lots of movement, lifting heavy things, walking, hiking, not much sitting etc, long days, there is sometimes elements of repetative movements during those times.

The other 4-5 months my job is more sedentary, a fair bit of computer work, but still standing, walking, lots of stairs, can have a lot of repetition.

I do walk everyday, and go to the gym (less so when I have pain, so this can be infrequent).

Pain may or may not be greater during times when I am more active or not. I have had pain during both active and not active times (possibly more during inactive times??? But I am not sure).

8. General description of diet.

Fruits, vegetables, whole grains (except white rice). Though not a vegetarian I tend not to eat a huge amount of meat or dairy. Organic (unfortified) grain products a lot of the time.

9. History of car crash, major or minor injury, etc.

None.

10. Ever taken Levaquin, Cipro, or any other antibiotic in the fluoroquinolne family?

I am not sure.

Thanks,

T

Dec 18, 2009

PART 3 - Tenosynovitis and Tendonitis in multiple joints, what can cause this?by: The Tendonitis Expert

Joshua Comments:

Hey T. Thanks for all that.

Well, here's what I think.

In general, the amount and location variety of your tendonitis pains points to that you have something going on that is essentially making yoru body/structures 'weak'.

People just don't get that much damage all over. I mean, they can, but matching your symptoms to your activities and other factors just doesn't add up, to me.

So that has me look at overall structural health/intregrity. In other words, I think you are protein deficient and nutrient deficient.

I don't think the intention right now is to 'fix' and injury, so much as bolster your body so it can heal in the first place and withstand further breakdown.

1. Increase your protein intake. By a lot. Let's say, focus seriously on that for two months.

Include pure protein sources like meat, cottage cheese, eggs, etc.

Increase your calorie intake too, such that your body will burn the extra calories and leave you with more usable protein. If you don't eat enough calories, the protein you do it is burnt for fuel.

I eat a lot of coconut oil for this reason. This page will explain part of the reason why. Coconut Oil

Depending on where you live, you can find it bulk at a local health food store, or buy it online.

So eat protein from food sources.

Also protein powder/shakes. Eat a meal, then have a shake an hour later.

One of my favorite brands is NOW pure whey protein isolate. You can find that online or at a local store.

Body-wide tendonitis/tendosynovitis is also common with the connective tissue disease Ehlers-danlos syndrome. It is a rare hereditary defect in the collagen formation. There are several types and it is usually autosomal dominant meaning one parent has a 50% chance of passing it to their child.

It is usually present with hypermobility of the joints. However, in the same family it can effect people in varying degrees. There is a large percentage of collagen in the body so this condition can be quite painful.

Eventually the tendons/ligaments get loose and muscles stay rigid as the connective tissue is not doing its job of holding the joints together.

Some people also have skin strechiness or a doughy consistency or brusing easily. My sister has doughy, strechy skin and it very hypermobile (can put her legs behind her neck). I on the other hand, only have body-wide joint popping, muscle rigidity, tendon pain, and some joints lock.

They say it's not progressive but most people eventually have to have multiple surgeries to tighten ligaments (shoulders, knees, etc.) www.ednf.org is a great place to start.

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Joshua Comments:

Thanks for adding that.

I'll add that while Ehlers-Danlos may not be progressive, the way the body works at trying to protect you/compensate for chronic pain equals a progressive Downward Spiral of various mechanical factors that ultimately make pain and such worse.

Aug 14, 2010

Milk Allergy causing Tenosynovitis painby: Stuart

Hi,I just mention my experiences in case they are relevant. For over 10 years now I have sufferred from tenosynovitus in the wrists, hands and fingers. Sometimes wrist, sometimes fingers, sometimes left hand, sometimes right hand. I can go for days pain free and then the problem occurs and I have up to a week on Ibuprofen to reduce the pain/inflammation.

The problem does not seem to correlate with over use of the affected hand. However, I think I have found the cause of the problem - it is an allergy to one or more of the proteins found in milk.

Since going on a non-dairy diet I have been much better. Last week it re-occurred, but I think that was due to the fact that I ate some meusli with whey powder in it. (Whey powder is dried whey left over from cheese production - it contains a lot of milk protein).

I just mention this as something sufferers with tenosynovitus may want to experiment with.

The only point I would make is be very strict - really check all ingredients on processed foods.

The worst that can happen is that you don't eat your favourite foods for a week or so! If a non-dairy diet works you may want to consider a calcium supplement if you're going to carry on.

Please post a comment - I'm interested to know how widespread this problem may be!

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Joshua Comments

Hi Stuart.

Well said!

Gluten intolerance, intolerance to dairy, adrenal fatigue and out of balance cortisol levels all contribute to Tenosynovitis and Tendonitis symptoms that, as you say, come and go.

Diet, and the body's relationship with various types of foods/ingredients, can play a HUGE role in pain, or lack thereof.

Good for you for experimenting and figuring it out!

And yes, I'm curious for other comments too!

Oct 24, 2010

Similar problems with tenosynvitis and tendonitis and dairy allergyby: D

Hi, female, 32, on most of organic food, started to develop milk intolerance - stopped milk, but eating a lot of cheese. Looks like I may try to get off the diary all together to see how I do. Had sitting job for 4 years - computer work and I thought for sure I have carpal tunnel, just did not make sense why my arm hurts and for a month I had a slight pain of the hip. I even thought that maybe pregnancies that all ended in miscarriages might have had something to do with it. No child to this day. Joint pain started year ago in wrists (left side more), upper arm pain deep in on the outside (left, feel it when I press in, feels almost like a muscle pain). Few months ago my lower back gave out twice. I got rid off the pain after two long weeks - exercises, swimming. I have been on prenatal vitamins and additional folic acid. I thought taking vitamins should make this better, but no such luck.... Healthy thyroid, no anemia, negative blood tests for: anticardiolipin antibodies, PTT-LA clotting test, antinuclear antibodies, thyroid antibodies. The sedimentation rate is 3, which surprises me, since I thought that I have inflammation in my joints, which would logically make the sedimentation higher...? I will read the protein info/see the video and cut off all the dairy starting tomorrow. I will post my update. I need my hands, hope something will work!Thanks everyone for sharing the info!

Something is going on systemically. While it's possible you have a true tendonitis, it's more likely your pain symptoms are from something effecting your overall function.

Nov 22, 2010

WIDESPREAD TENDONITIS AND NEURFIBROMOTOSISby: Linda

i am a overwight 60 year old female who has tendonitis in various parts of my body over the past 5 years. It started with a trigger finger in my right hand, after multiple cortisone shots, it was operated on.

Almost immediately after i got tendonitis in my left wrist, more cortisone and almost simultaneously i got a trigger finger in my left hand.

In addition I know have tendonitis(bursitis) in my right. Incidentally i have neurfibromotosis.

My doctors have said there is no medical reason for multiple incidents of tendonitis, besides bad luck Any ideas?

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Joshua Comments:

Hello Linda.

Ahhhh, doctors. 'No Medical Reason For Multiple Tendonitis Areas'. Unfortunately, they have a very limited definition of 'medical'.

Answer the following question, and I'll be able to better answer.

Do you have these symptoms or NF2 (type 2 Neurofibromotosis?: * headache * balance problems, and Vertigo * facial weakness/paralysis * patients with NF2 may also develop other brain tumors, as well as spinal tumors * Deafness and Tinnitus

Dec 01, 2010

Have we been seeing the same doctor?by: Vivian

I'm amazed and relieved that I'm not alone in my quest to get answers regarding my traveling tendinitis! It's embarrassing to see the people I work with every day while experiencing pain in any one of several areas of my body. I hear myself at times and feel like a hypochondriac because its so strange!

I've suffered for several years with tendinitis in my hip. Sometimes the left and at times the right. When I finally saw the doctor because the pain was so bad he put me on complete bed rest for a week because the tendons were so badly inflamed.

From there I developed what my doctor referred to as a rip-roaring tennis elbow. I had physical therapy because I could barely use my right arm or hand.

He also said I had Carpal Tunnel which I didn't know.

Most recently I developed what I'm sure is more of the same in my right thumb.

My doctor also said btw, it was simply coincidence, although he also felt the need to tell me I should go Salsa dancing and get happy.

I guess he doubled as a dance instructor in the evenings after seeing all those silly women folk who sit around and complain all day about their aches and pains.

This was several years ago and I simply wouldn't see a doctor since then because I was embarrassed.

Mostly it is on my right side and I have one other unusual symptom which may not be related but on my right side upper back (scapula?) constant painful spot.

I'm always rolling my head from left to right because it always feels like I need to crack it.

I can also feel a spot that is painful to the touch, and is fibrous and just on the right side.

I'd love some direction! Thanks!

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Joshua Comments:

Hi Vivian.

I'm not going to argue with the Salsa dancing/get happy comment. No downside to that.

However, I doubt it's the whole story.

Guess what the symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency are? Get a vitamin D level, pronto.

Nutrition plays a HUGE role in how the body functions. And from what you've said, I'd put my first attention on getting my body full of the right nutrition so it can work how it's supposed to work.

More questions, more answers.

Dec 15, 2010

autoimmune illness with tendonitis symptoms in every jointby: Anonymous

Hi - seems that a lot of things can cause widespread tendonitis. No one mentioned autoimmune illness besides the thyroid related ones. tendonitis is a fairly common feature of rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and fibromyalgia. My rheumatologist has diagnosed tendonitis in every part of my body - around every single joint. He isnt sure if it is due to RA or lupus yet, as i've tested positive for the rheumatoid factor and antinuclear antibody test. Have other problems too.

Its painful - good luck to you guys in a dx and treatment.

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Joshua Comments:

That's a great point Anonymous! As I often say, Tendonitis symptoms can come from a lot of different directions.

And one of the HUGE sources of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus symptoms, and Fibroymalgia, is Gluten Intolerance

Which, unfortunately, your doctor is unlikely to be any help for.

Dec 17, 2010

Tendonitis and neurofibromotosisby: Linda

Besides the facial disfigurement and the cafe au lait spots and a long standing hearing loss in my left ear I havw no other symptoms of neurofibromotosis. I do have mild to moderate scoliosis which can either be related to the neurofibromotosis or a family history on the other side of my family. The tendonitis affects both my left side and right side equally. It is fairly constant. My job requires a lot of computer use, however no strenuous physical work ( I am a librarian). Any ideas.

Linda

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Joshua Comments:

Well, I'd:

Ice Dip a lot and see what happens.

Drop all Gluten from your diet for 30 days, and see what happens.

Eat more good fat, like Omega 3's.

Regular self massage.

10 minutes of yoga stretching in the morning or before you go to bed. All directions.

By doing the above, you'll get SOME kind of results, and then we will have more specific info to talk about.

It's a start.

Jan 28, 2011

Glad I am not alone....by: Anonymous

Hello, SO I too suffer from wandering tendonitis. I have held many odd jobs, like bartending, serving, nannying, administrative, and I feel as though my joints are constantly overused.

It began in 2006 with serious right wrist tendonitis from bartending. I eventually got a cortisone shot that cured the pain, till this day I still do not feel pain in that wrist.

However, the tendonitis decided to give the left wrist some trouble. This has not been nearly as severe as the right, and comes and goes with overuse.

Soon after my right wrist pain was relieve I developed tendonitis in the right shoulder. I went for another cortisone shot, however this one never fully took effect and the pain resumed two weeks later. Another recent development has been what I believe is DeQuervians. My right hand has tremendous pain right below the thumb/wrist joint. I have been wearing my wrist brace from the previous tendonitis, but b/c it is now in my thumb, the brace doesn't help much.

I typically take lots of Ibuprofen and glucosamine chondroitin, to no avail. And to boot, just yesterday I developed a large smooth lump on top of my left forearm below my wrist, with pressure I can feel a twinge in my two fingers, but no sharp pain, just soreness. I know this too must be tendonitis or even carpal tunnel.

After reading this column I intend to purchase a Magnesium & Calcium supplement. I am not sure whether to compress the left wrist with this large lump, or to simply ice it, which I have done consistently.

Any advice is apprecaited. I have not returned to my doctor since 2008, when I received the last injection. Slowly but surely I am developing new sore spots.

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Joshua Comments:

Why would you get Calcium after this reading this thread? Magnesium, absolutely yes.

I just came across this site after experiencing my third tendonitis injury in less than a year.

I'm 21, female, petite, eat plenty of protein 150 grams, plenty of vegetables and greens, but I was raised vegetarian and right now I eat some fish.

Health and fitness are passions of mine and I've been lifting heavy for 5 months now. In this 5 months I've had so many injuries I can't count including tricep tendonitis and as of today bicep tendonitis.

I continue to get injuries despite my warm up, stretching and taking things very slowly.

Last year I had a bout of shin splints/plantar fasciitis that lasted 5 months. I let them heal, but would still experience pain.

It wasn't until I went to a physical therapist and heard him say "there is no injury here, I see no sign of shin splints" that they finally went away.

This is an example of how injuries can turn into something psychological without knowing it.

I was diagnosed with RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy) or CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome) when I was 12 after spraining my ankles 4 times in a year and then the pain spread body wide.

RSD is in remission now because of the 40+ treatments of oxygen therapy at age 14, but it can show up without my knowledge like with the shin splints.

Please help me. I would really like to focus on my goal of building muscle and just living a normal happy, healthy life, something of which these injuries prevent me from doing so. If you have any suggestions I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you so much for your time!

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Joshua Comments:

Hi Valen.

If you were raised vegetarian I'm going to go on some pretty safe assumptions:1. Your mother was protein, good fats, and vitamin/mineral deficient in some way, shape, or form, while she was pregnant.2. You grew up with a certain amount of the same.

So structurally you're not as 'tough' as you'd like to be.

Fixable? Yes, but it will take some time and effort.

Here's my suggestions, and you can always ask more questions.

1. Get your Vitamin D level checked and then get your Vitamin D3 level up between 50-80 ASAP.

3. More good fats, and a lot of them: Omega 3 fats, good wild fish/salmon fat, pastured meats and eggs. Omega 3's are anti-inflammatory, and good fat is VITAL to healthy cell function, among other things.

Maybe you have RSD and CRPS. Maybe you're just life long nutrient deficient.

Apr 30, 2011

Help me too! Athlete with all over tendonitis.by: Anonymous

A lot of these posts have resonated with me, as I have a very similar story.

I am 19 years old and female. I have been active my entire life and have been a serious athlete for 6 or 7 years. I started doing triathlons in college and loved it! I was able to train with aboslutely no pain for a year and then I got IT band syndrom. It made sense because I had just increased my milege, so I went to PT. ITBS got better, and then I strained my achilles tendon. When that got better, I continued to run but still had throbbing aching pain in my hips and a constant tightness. I fell off a horse this summer and hurt my back.

Starting after the fall, I stopped running entirely and started swimming. Even with the decrease in activity, my symptoms seemed to get worse, I got biceps tendonitis, and my hip pain increased. I was diagnosed with hip tendonitis, and burisitis, and plantar fasciitis. As winter progressed, I stopped almost all activity except PT, Pilates, and Yoga. I was not running, yet would intermittenly experience shin splints and burisitis below my knees and hamstring tendonitis. I also had similar pains my my elbows but no doctor ever really confronted that.

I started feeling better and started running again. A week into running again, I developed hamstring tendonits. my PT said this is a normal result of getting the body active again, but I know my body and I have been an athlete for many years with no trouble or injuries whatsover, until this year where I was diagnosed with 6 different soft tissue injuries. I also experience a lot of muscle aches and spasms.

As for my diet, I was a vegetarian up until winter when we started investigating the nutrition route. I eat consistent protein and I eat very healthy, fruits and veggies and whole grains.

What could this be?? Early this week I had what I would call an "attack" of sorts where my entire body felt inflammed and sore, and I hadn't even worked out in a few days. I had had a lot of beer, bagels and bread in 24 hours so I decided to go off gluten starting yesterday to see if that is it!

Any information can help! I just want to be myself again!

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Joshua Comments:

What could it be?

Possibilities:

1. Nutritional deficiency from years of being athletic and vegetarian.

If you just had pain problem in a couple spots, that would be more functional biomechanics, but if you're feeling tendonitis symptoms all over, that's generally a deeper, nutritional issue(s).

Jul 09, 2011

Elbow & Ankle problem in 44 year old footballerby: Stuart Southall

I am a fairly fit and active 44 year old. Played football & done running for most my life. Diet is generally good, fruit, veg etc.... Very little processed food.

Approx 10 years ago diagnosed with tennis elbow, despite physio etc... ended up having cortisone injection, which cleared this up.

Towards the back end of 2010 i have been getting pain in the underside of both my elbows, perhaps golfers elbow (although i dont play!)and the topside of my right elbow, the one which had the jab all those years ago.

In feb this year i got an achilles tendon injury while playing football. Did the typical things to resolve, having not recovered from this injury (still unable to play football, running is difficult and cannot walk down the stairs in the morning) i was sent by my GP for further assesment & physio.

The physio diagnosed tendinopathy in my injured (right) ankle, and found that my left ankle, which although is stiff sometimes is fairly OK, also is showing signs. In fact when she was touching both tendons it was quite painful.

I cannot believe that all these tendon problems are co-incidence, hence me looking for a website such as this!

My job is not physical, typically desk related work and about 20,000 miles per year driving.

I cant believe that at 44 i am a washed up has been footballer who can no longer go running and throwing darts in the garage ends up with a painful elbow!! Is there any saving grace????

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Joshua Comments

Hi Stuart.

There's plenty of saving grace! It will take some time and effort though.

You have to deal with the Process of Inflammation, scar tissue build up, and the factors that are CAUSING your pain and Achilles pain issue.

Aug 03, 2011

Help please, tendonitis in elbow wrist and heel.by: Aaron

I have learned a great amount from this site thank you! So maybe you can help me a bit more. I am a 30 year old male who is affected by elbow, wrist, and heel tendonitis. I am very active and generally eat a healthy low caliorie high protein diet. I work out in the gym 3-4 days a week and don't do much cardio but focus on weights . I take msm glucosmine daily. Now for the bad....I do enjoy drinking wine and beer moderetly 4 to five days a week. Could this be all pun intended "My achilles heel"? Are there any other things that could be casuing it?

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Joshua Comments:

Hey Aaron.

Is the booze causing the pain? Unlikely, unless your body really doesn't like the gluten and the nitrates.

A. Why are you on a low calorie diet?B. What exactly does 'low calorie' mean, in your case?C. What's your height/weight?D. Are you lifting for size/bulk?E. History of injury?F. Overall health?

Aug 10, 2011

Multi-site tendonitis painby: Anonymous

It's very interesting reading everyone's symptom list and subsequent comments. I am a 46 y/o female in fairly decent health except for the multi site tendon pain, which has been ongoing for 8 years. Mine started in my right knee and left elbow. Several Dr.s said I had a torn meniscus, even though they could see my tendon "jumping" when I bent or straightened my leg. After 5 years, I had surgery on my knee, in which the doc "cleaned up" my shreddy tendon. That spot on knee is better, but I still have problems in my neck, right shoulder and wrist, left elbow and wrist, the top area of both knees, and both feet and ankles. I've seen 3 rheumatolgists and have been tested for everything under the sun, except obviously the correct condition. I eat a well balanced diet and try to exercise (walking, stretching) when I can bear the pain, I take a multi-vit, and am a healthy weight. Any further ideas?

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Joshua Comments:

Lots of ideas Anonymous!

If you're having all over tendonitis, that's nutritional. Long term nutritional deficiency. (I use the term 'deficiency' loosely.)

So of course doctors aren't going to find a solution for you. They're looking for a single thing. But the body doesn't work that way, not even with true tendonitis.

Well I am 5/9 180 pounds. Diet of about 1000-1200 cals. 20 - 40g protein and very little carbs. Work out regimens include light amounts of cardio main focus of weight lifting. Trying to build lean mass and remove small amounts of body fat from stingy areas such as love handles and chest. I stay very active volunteering at a Fire Dept. Is this just a sign of aging?

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Joshua Comments:

Hi Aaron.

Is what a sign of aging?

Going on a diet? Absolutely that's a sign of aging!

Dude, if you want to build lean muscle mass, you need to eat some protein.

You're burning that 20-40 grams of protein for energy, not using it for building anything.

Aug 29, 2011

What's Going On With Me? -- Tenosynovitis and Tendonitis in multiple joints, what can cause this? by: Sandra

I'm a 59 year old overweight female. Over the last ten years I have had plantar faciitis bilateral, tennis elbow bilateral, carpal tunnel bilateral (had surgery but it's back) trigger finger in the right hand and now a very very painful Achilles tendon problem that has gotten worse even though I have stopped walking for exercise.

I have been weight lifting for l8 months but have been advised to stop as the extra weight is making the lump on my ankle worse and now the other heel is showing signs too. Most of these problems cropped up for no apparent reason.

I am lactose intolerant but drink lactose free milk. I have hypothyroidism. I take Vitamin D and omega 3. My doctor has also told me I just have "bad luck" but I can't believe this many tendons can be compromised for no reason.

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Joshua Comments:

Hi Sandra.

One thing that's going on with you, is that your doctor has no idea what's going on with you.

'Bad Luck'??!? WTF? Fire that clueless moron.

1. Nutritional deficiency. Lack of Magnesium, Vitamin D (how much are you taking, and what was your Vit D level when you last got it tested? Secific number, please.)

4. The more fat you have, the more you have to take Vit D. Vit D stores itself in bodyfat, which can then make it difficult to pull it back out to utilize it.

Again, how much are you taking and what is your level?

5. Gluten Intolerance, over time, also messes up your body in other ways, like helps toss the thyroid out of balance. That's pretty complicated and outside my realm. Check out Kerri's site: www.Easy-Immune-Health.com

LOADS of relevant information there.

****ALL THE ABOVE LEAD TO YOUR SITUATION****

6. So while technically you have Tendonitis and could benefit from some physical things to reverse the tendonitis dynamic, your primary issue is nutritional/systemic.

You can attack them both at the same time, but first thing's first:

* Get off ALL Gluten for at least two months.* Get Magnesium and Vit D into you at the appropriate levels.* Eat more protein, more good fats, less carbs. Carbs and processed foods mess you up. How do I know? Because it's obvious.

Lets start there. Look through Kerri's website, read what I linked to above, and let me know what your vitamin D level is and how much you're taking.

Some of these comments sound as if I wrote them. I'm 19 & was an athlete until I got a shoulder injury (part of my tendon tore off and embedded itself in the cartilage) now have had surgery 5 months ago and is improving slowly but now i'm developing tendonitis all over, both achilles, both patella tendons, both medial elbow tendons & now my left shoulder is inflamed.

However, I switched to a 'PALEOLITHIC' diet. I highlight that because it is what i put my recovery down to. I know this sounds like yet another fad diet.

But bare with me, it makes logical sense. It only includes the food our ancestors ate before the agricultural revolution.

Our ancestors did not grow crops or milk wild cows. Our genetics did not evolve to eat cereals, grains, dairy, legumes so now in our modern diet when we eat them every day our body can't cope & inflammatory conditions follow.

If this even remotely sounds reasonable to you i recommend reading either dr. loren cordains 'paleo diet' or robb wolfs 'paleo solution' i hope this helps. I feel your pain but it doesn't need to last!

I'm sorry to advertise on your board but this has helped so much i needed to share it.

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Joshua Comments:

Hi Michael.

I don't mind advertising when I agree with it. I went to high school with Robb Wolf, fun factoid.

While I'm not 100% onboard the paleo diet theory ancestor-wise, I very much do agree with a diet of:

* no processed foods* no gluten* If milk, ONLY organic raw milk from pastured cows (I'm a HUGE fan of raw milk)

As far as the health affects, absolutely. MOST Tendonitis comes from a nutritional deficiency and/or inflammatory condition.

It's more complex than that of course, but still.

But ultimately, your body can put more energy into healing when it doesn't have to deal with the negative factors of inflammatory agents taken in as food.

Thanks for sharing!

And what do you mean your tendon 'embedded' itself into the cartiledge? You mean like punctured??

Sep 05, 2011

Still frustrated with travelling tendonitisby: jennybenny

I am a 43 year old slightly overweight woman with traveling tendonitis. It started a year and a half ago when I was down in weight and running about 15 miles a week. I ran a 5K and really pushed it and injured my peroneal tendon in my ankle.

After letting it rest for 3 months, I tried to run again only to have it swell again, so I saw a doctor who ruled out a tear and immobilized it for two weeks.

Shortly after that, I developed mid back pain which wouldn't go away even with ibuprofen. I began to see a chiropractor who said my muscles are as tight as an 80 year old and began adjusting and doing massage.

The back pain has subsided with the treatments, but in working on my back muscles, I developed tennis elbow. After ultrasound and wearing a band, it is starting to also subside, but now my knee is in horrible pain. I can't run, walk, vacuum the house or even sit cross-legged. The pain has occurred on both sides of my body. In the middle of all this, I was diagnosed with Graves disease and have been started on methimazole for that.

In the last three years, my blood tests have also shown my rheumatoid factor is high - in 2006 it was 97, and this last spring it was down to 34.

However, the Rheumatologist said I do not have Rheumatoid arthritis since I don't have red, swollen joints or parallel pain in my body. I have switched my diet to higher protein, eliminated breads and reduced carbs drastically, stopped drinking any Diet drinks, upped my fruits and veggies, and reduced calories. I have not eliminated gluten or dairy. I have added about 600 mg of magnesium to my daily diet.

I am concerned that this is either related to the rheumatoid factor or the Graves disease but my doctors don't seem to think so. I'm sick of this!!! Help!

Joshua Comments In Next Section

Oct 02, 2011

Joshua Responds to Jenny - Still frustrated with travelling tendonitisby: The Tendonitis Expert

Joshua Comments:

Hi Jenny.

Well, good news/bad news.

YOU. MUST. ELIMINATE. ALL. GLUTEN

Period.

No if's and's or buts.

Might as well go off milk too, but switch to Raw milk.

Anytime there's any kind of auto-immune issue, you have to go off gluten.

Because, in short, gluten is an inflammatory agent, and auto-immune disease is the result of that.

You've cut calories, which may or may not be a good thing, as if you cut carbs you're now using protein for fuel....so increase your protein again.

If you can switch from nasty pastuerized/homogenized milk to Raw milk, go right ahead. Raw milk is GOOD food. Regular milk would be undrinkable without the pasteurization, and pasteurization has it's own problems, and homogenization has it's own problems.

600mg of Magnesium is great, but it may not be enough. You need as much as your body needs. Get more into and onto your body (Hot epsom salt baths with about half a pound or so of epsom salt in it, more magnesium taken more times throughout the day, ionic liquid magnesium, magnesium gel for topical application (I don't like that it makes my skin itch, but doesn't do that for everyone)).

Yes you have some Symptoms of Tendonitis, but you've got some deeper systemic issues that need to get dealt with first and foremost (as they're causing most of your tendonitis symptoms.

Oct 04, 2011

just beginning my search for answersby: WK

Hard to say where to start. I am a 58 year old male (not overweight), always been pretty active, that has had an interesting year medically. Now trying to piece the entire history together. In April due to a splinter sliver type puncture on the front of my right index finger I developed a fast moving and severe tenosynovitis that within 3 days resulted in a 4 day hospitalization with operation to clean out the synovium of the finger into the top of the palm.

Cultures never grew whatever the organism was that caused the infection. During the one month with stitches my right shoulder developed tendonitis due to the way I was having to carry my arm. Went through both occupational and physical therapy and reclaimed about 95% of the movement back to the finger (which I understand is good given the condition).

During that period I whacked the tip of my left elbow resulted in inflamation that was minor at first but developed into full blown tennis elbow. Went to ortho and got a cortisone shot but it did not really knock back the inflamation.

Background - 8 years ago I had severe tennis elbow in my right arm due to repetitive stress (stripping paint) that over the course of a few years did not respond to multiple cortisone shots. When in therapy discovered trigger point manipulation (dry needling) to get the forarm muscles to relax their death grip on the tendon and the condition finally gave way.Left arm is currently still in process as I found the therapist that did the work 8 years ago. Both shoulders now are in a constant state of discomfort with tendonitis.

The other problem - Over the past 3 or so decades I have been subjected to a recurring condition called left on left sacral torsion (I only learned it had a name this past month) and have been receiving treatment for it. The same muscle spasm triggers the issue each time.The time period between episodes has been shortening. I know that this condition deals with the sacroiliac joint and tendons that maybe don't hold as tight as they should.

more background -some 30+ years ago I had a hard fall that landed square on the hip. First I was treated for bursitis then for sciatic type pain as the therapies seemed to chase the pain around. At some point dots were connected to result in a tentative diagnosis of Reiters arthritis.

The blood test came up negative for the marker but was given naprosin (pre-over the counter) and the conditions disapeared. I am thinking the tosion probs date back to the event.

Trying to move forward. nutrition is next.Advice?

Oct 18, 2011

Joshua Replies To - just beginning my search for answers -- Tenosynovitis and Tendonitis in multiple joints, what can cause this?by: The Tendonitis Expert

Hi WK.

1. So you got a sliver and got infected, it sounds like, yes?

2. It also sounds like you hit your elbow and it kicked in a, well, really it aggravated a currently existing Pain Causing Dynamic.

3. Your sacral thing isn't an issue of not tight enough, it's an issue of TOO TIGHT. The joint is being compressed 24/7 by too tight muscle and connective tissue. Gotta open that up.

The Tendonitis dynamic causes Arthritis due to that compressive, joint-grinding mechanism.

D. For the Hip, other than specific self massage, ice massage, and nutrition, my big gun to suggest is The ARPwave System.

More questions, more answers.

Oct 24, 2011

Similar problems!by: Anonymous

I am 33, and have had tendinitis in my knees since I was 24. About 2 years ago I started getting it in my shoulders as well, and was diagnosed with Lyme disease and treated.

During treatment I felt great. Since it ended it has all gone downhill. The pain in my knees is worse than ever, along with my hips, shoulders, neck and jaw.

I've seen a rheumatologist, and after a battery of tests (positive ANA, high sed rate, high C-reactive protein, high C3), she has diagnosed me with psoriatic arthritis (I've had psoriasis since I was 5). I'm meeting with her this week to discuss treatment options, but thought if anyone could benefit from hearing my story, I would add it to this thread. I am leaning toward agreeing to take methotrexate, because I'm desperate for some sort of relief. Whatever we end up doing, I look forward to being able to walk again without being in screaming pain.

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Joshua Comments:

So you were diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. Ok. But that's a symptom of something, not a cause. Ask your doc what CAUSED the psoriatic arthritis.

Maybe it's LYME's disease. If you've been bitten by a tick. Have you been bitten by a tick?

If you haven't been bitten by a tick, even if you have, you MUST MUST MUST go ENTIRELY off of ALL gluten.

Celiac Disease, off of all gluten and back pain and tummy issues are gone but still have bouts of inflammation and other symptomsby: Martina

Hi, i have just come across this page and i just have to try for some answers...my husband (32) has had skin and tummy problems all his life.

Also chronic back pain. 3yrs ago doc tested for coeliac disease, bloods came back positive. he went for biopsy and it was negative.

However coeliac specialist doctor in northern Ireland advised a strict gluten free diet for life which he sticks to.

After a few weeks on the diet back pain has almost completely disappeared. BUT... still flares up now and again. He also has carpel tunnel syndrome and teitz syndrome. More recently he gets pain in his knees and hands and feet.

He also experiences tingling in his hands when he comes in from outside to inside (not just in extremely cold weather but not so much in hot summer weather. usually start in autumn) his hands go stiff and he finds it hard to pick up things and has a lot of pain.

He is otherwise fit and healthy and has a very low sitting heart rate (which is good i guess?) the only other health problems he has ever had is he caught meningitis 3yrs ago.

I should also add that his mum suffers from factor 8 thrombophelia. my husband was tested for this and we got told his ptt time was 9seconds, a little quicker than average but nothing to be concerned about. His tummy and skin problems have resolved with the gluten free diet (he never eats glten) but the inflamation just keeps coming.

Sometimes none, sometimes everything inflamed at once. im just thinking...he also has probs with his ears, he cant hear very well out of one or both ears at times and at other times he hears perfectly well. Doctors have said all this stuff is not related...what do you think??

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Joshua Comments:

Hi Martina.

I imagine it's all related.

Celiac disease (or Coeliac as it's also spelled) is a serious inability to deal with gluten. Gluten, btw, is an inflammatory agent and nobody should be eating it. Especially Irish genetics, something like 85% of Irish bloodline is gluten intolerant.

So that's great that he doesn't eat any. I bet he occasionally is eating gluten in foods that he thinks are gluten free but aren't.

Long term gluten intolerance causes things like Leaky Gut which causes systemic inflammation and auto-immune issues, and nutritional deficiency.

Make sure he's getting plenty of Magnesium. Magnesium deficiency is a big factor in a variety of hearing/ear issues.

Make sure his Vitamin D level is between 50-80 ng/ml.

Getting off of all gluten is step 1. Step 2 is getting enough good nutrition into him so his body can heal from a lifetime of negative factors.

Second, to the people who mentioned milk allergies. I started having the same vaguely allergic reactions to milk, eggs, and peanut butter at puberty. The symptoms stopped at menopause; I don't know what the relationship there is.

The allergy I have is NOT lactose intolerance. There is a protein -- starts with "o", I learned about it off-hand in 1985 but never mastered the name in time to write it down -- in all 3 of those foods, and people who are allergic to it tend to go massively underdiagnosed.

The problem for me was, when my outward symptoms more or less disappeared after menopause, I started revelling in diary, eggs, and peanuts. I did notice the coincidence of my rapid increase in tendon problems in my hands, and kept asking doctors and physical therapists if they knew if it was related, and they all said there was no relationship. As of today I won't be asking them any more. It will be SO hard to give up milk all over again, though. :-(

Third, I learned a few days ago that part of my problem is my life-long diabetes. (Should have been obvious, what can I say.) I don't know if this applies to anybody else writing here, but a highly-recommended rheumatologist told me that children with badly controlled Type 1 diabetes (which I was 5 decades ago) tend to have shortened tendons. I've had short tendons surgically severed internally and diagnosed in my ankles, and tendon problems in my hips and shoulders, so this finally explains a lifetime of tendon problems.

Mind you, with diabetes come a host of other complications that just aggravate the tenosynovitis, including 4 decades of poor circulation in my hands (plus Raynaud's Phenomenon). My tenosynovitis kicks up every October like clockwork, when it gets cold, and driving becomes a humongous problem, as my hands turn to icicles. I tried electric gloves but haven't found any that you can shovel wet snow in and without shorting out.

On top of that, add a family tendency towards excessive scar tissue formation, a family tendency towards extreme osteoarthritis, and an intolerance for aspirin and other NSAIDs, and *all* my tendons, but especially my hands, are waging an uphill battle.

But I am going to try to give up milk (with huge quantities of self-pity), and to eat more of the other foods recommended here and elsewhere: foods high in connective tissue (chicken, fish), foods high in Vitamin C, Calcium, enzymes, and anti-inflammatory benefits (papaya, broccoli, brussel sprouts, spinach, turmeric, ginger (among others)). Here's hoping the next time I write I can bend and straighten my fingers better, at least.

Thank you EVERYONE for this thread.

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Joshua Comments:

Hi Anonymous.

1. I didn't see Magnesium, B6, B12, or Vit D on your list. They should be on your list, as symptoms you describe match up with those nutritional deficiencies.

2. What's your Vitamin D level?

Nov 15, 2011

magnesium and vitamin d and celiac diseaseby: Martina

Hi Joshua, thanks for getting back to me, so you think that if he takes magnesium and vitamin d that the inflamation should settle down? or is it something he will have to deal with because of being gluten intolerant and the damage it has done when he was eating it? is there anything else you would suggest he should take to speed recovery? he has been gluten free for over 2years now. I should have mentioned before that he would be quite tired a lot, he would describe his brain as being blurry or mushy sometimes...i guess he means he cant think straight...cant find the words he wants sometimes. i suspect this comes from a lack of something also? thankyou so much again for your reply, your site is great. it fantastic to have someone acknowledge that there is a link between it all...we knew it all along!! Martina

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Joshua Comments:

Hi Martina.

1. If he's actually been off gluten for 2 years and still has foggy brain etc, then it's safe to say that A. his gut hasn't healed yet because/and B. he's still significantly nutrient deficient.

2. And, depending on how sensitive he is, it may be worth it to pay MORE attention to what he's eating, in the sense that lots of foods have gluten that you wouldn't expect them too. Basically, anything processed is likely to be guilty.

3. I don't know if Mag and Vit D will cause his inflammation to reduce, but I do know that if he's short on those nutrients he doesn't have lots of potential to get better in the first place. Both are big players in brain fog too.

If he has a lifetime of suffering and physical breakdown from nutritional deficiency and systemic inflammation and the side effects of gluten breaking down in the gut into morphine-like byproducts, then it may take some time doing the right things to help his body revive and heal and get back towards optimal working mechanics.

I'm 36 healthy and active and for the past year and half i've been having tendonitis all over my joints, calcific shoulder, aquiles tend., tennis elbow, knee, plantar fasciitis... it's keeping me from doing sports and exercises I love, please help!!!

I also forgot to menton that I'm lactose intolerant, and I've been gluten free for about 3 weeks now.I'm taking magnesium 400mg a day, vitamin C,D and B complex, using dmso gel, doing ice, P.T (ultrasound once a week) and my tennis elbow still here, it's been painful for about a month and half,thanks!

Luci

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Joshua Comments:

Hi Luci.

If you have all over pain showing up like that, that's nutritional deficiency (which includes auto-immune issues from gluten intolerance and Leaky Gut.

Why 400mg of Mag?

More Magnesium.

NO GLUTEN. Make sure you're reading labels and also do some research to see all the ingredients that actually are gluten.

After reading a lot of these posts, I think I know what my issues are :). Thank you!

Based on the feedback I've seen from you, it appears that lack of proper nutrition is likely a huge factor in my pain.

So, I think I only have 2 questions, but they're long questions!

1) I think you said not to take prescription Vitamin D. Why not? And if that's not advisable, how in the world do I raise my levels...I was tested in May '11 and it was at 13!!! :( I took prescription Vit D for 6 weeks but haven't been re-tested.

2) you say that Gluten intolerance likely contributes to autoimmune diseases like RA...I understand that from the standpoint of inflammation in the body, but is RA reversible? I'm a runner, and I want to keep running. I don't know that I have any auto-immune condition, but I know I'm having chronic pain that I shouldn't have at age 39.

I am absolutely positive that I am protein deficient and that a change in diet could be helpful and will be necessary. But cutting out all gluten??? Come on! I exist for a couple of glasses of red wine at night! How do you know if someone needs to not only improve nutrition but also cut out all gluten?

If you say inflammation, I might start crying because there's no question that I have inflammation running rampant, but I need to know if I have to go without it entirely to benefit or if I can cheat with a glass of Pinot Noir?

Thank you!

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Joshua Comments:

Hey Susan.

Good!

1. Prescription Vit D is Vit D2. Research shows that D2 brings levels up but confers little to none of the benefits.

What do you mean 'how in the world do I raise my levels' (without prescription Vit D)?

Easy. You go to the store and get a bottle of liquid Vit D3 that provides 2,000i.u.'s per -drop-.

You can take a day's worth at once or a week's worth at once or a months worth, 3 month's worth, 6 month's worth at once. Your body is designed to store it.

Once a month I take four -dropper- fulls. That's approx 350,000i.u.'s. A little less in summer.

You may want to do the same. Though if you were at a 13, you may want to do that twice a month for a couple months.

Make sure to take it with Magnesium, as A. magnesium is required to convert the supplement into it's active form in your blood and B. you may get magnesium deficiency symptoms if you take Vit D and don't have enough Magnesium in you.

And of course, you need adequate B6 to utilize Magnesium....

2. Aside from that, it depends. Do you have RA symptoms? Or are you just sore from working out?

But yes, you have inflammation. Everybody does. Want to cut it down and be healthier? Cut down/out gluten products.

There's gluten in wine? Are you sure about that?

Go find out for sure (that's your homework).

Dec 14, 2011

Red wine, gluten, running injuries & chronic painby: Susan

Gluten isn't naturally found in wine but is now in some wines due to contamination from the barrels used and some winemakers are using wheat as a clarifying agent.

I'm 39, have run 4 Half Marathons in the past 2 years, and started training for a Full in June. I ignored some nagging sore spots and ended up with stress fractures in both tibias by Sept. I knew I was vit D deficient and I had a bone density test...it's in the normal range.

Prior to my injury, I had no serious physical problems or injuries. I had PF and runner's knee briefly but got those symptoms to mostly go away. I did PT and strengthening exercises for the supporting muscle groups, but I didnt address nutrition, and I am sure that was a factor in my injuries. I was strong enough in the cardiovascular realm to be able to run a lot more than my body could handle.

Took 6 weeks off after the injury, but I didn't change much else :(. The first few days of my break from running were extremely painful. I hurt evrrywhere. I felt torn to shreds. I asked my ortho about it at my 3 wk check-up because I was still very sore in lots of places (shins of course, but also my shoulders, biceps, hips, knees, ankles and feet). He said it was tendonitis, bursitis and lots of inflammation. He said my body was probably in shock from stopping my physical activity so abruptly and to "get in the pool ASAP!".. but I didn't....i am a stubborn and non-compliant patient at times. I have 3 kids, a husband who is frequently laid up with various physical issues, and I also work in a high stress field. My daily life wears me out (stairs, on my feet a TON at home but sedentary at the office, skip meals at times, constantly juggling).

I'm 5ft 2 in, 100 pounds, dont get enough calories, probably don't eat enough protein but if I don't have enough calories, the protein doesn't help build my muscles anyway! I used to drink a couple of Boosts with Extra Protein daily, but have slacked on that too. Basically, I'm a nutrient-deficient, almost 40 year old woman, with the metabolism of a hummingbird!

I'll post the rest in a second comment...sorry!

Dec 14, 2011

Continued comment (gluten, Nutrition, running injuries)by: Anonymous

(continued) I have some very tight muscles and tendons (obviously), and I knew this could be a problem, but I didn't take action in my previous training periods. I know that I have to make changes because the downward spiral has begun. I feel tight and sore every day, and the slightest extra physical activity triggers new pain. I'm doing Pilates 1 X per wk and am back to running a few miles 2 X per wk. But I can feel the weakness everywhere, and Pilates kicks my ass (big time sore shoulders, hips, and shaky thighs and hams).

I got scared when the soreness didn't improve much after lots of time off. started wondering if I could have RA or lupus because I have pain in so many places, and it's always beating in the background, even when it's not screaming at me from strain due to exercise or over-use. My doc ran tests for Lupus and RA and I'll get those results soon. I believe my traveling aches and pains are systemic so I want to find out more about what I need to do nutritionally.

So...Liquid Vit D3, magnesium, B-complex vitamins, tons of pure protein and?? Go gluten-free? If I do these things and do them correctly, do you know how long it will take to see results? Will it hurt me to continue running and doing Pilates or do you think I need to take more time off? Should I be doing the ice massages and ice dipping along with changing my diet?

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Joshua Comments:

Hey Susan.

Well the good news is, there's plenty of gluten free wine out there!

Thanks for the history. I use the word 'deficient' loosely, but yes, you're deficient. And your body basically literally can't heal (not optimally, anyway) or even recover because it doesn't have the building blocks it needs.

Should you be doing the ice massages and dipping? Absolutely.

Should you be running? Probably not yet. Walk fast, like in Tim Ferriss' 'The 4-Hour Body'.

IMHO, your sports goals for the moment should be to become a nutritional athlete. Your sport is getting necessary nutrients into your body, and utilizing them to heal and recover. Ice massaging and ice dipping are part of the training.

Get to work.

Build yourself up, and then start running again. You've got some healing to do first.

Jan 03, 2012

Tenosynovitis and Vitamin D deficiencyby: Anonymous

Hi Joshua,

Thanks for maintaining such a treasure-trove of information online. I have developed new wrist/hand and foot pains that do not seem to be responding to steroids or NSAIDs - MRI of the wrist shows flexor tenosynovitis and Tc99 scan of the joints shows uptake in both hands, knees and shoulders though I have no symptoms besides in the hands and feet. I'm seronegative (RF, ANA, CCP) and have no elevation of ESR/CRP. My understanding is that the radioisotope uptake is due to nonspecific leak through porous vasculature at sites of inflammation and correlates with likelihood of an inflammatory (i.e., seronegative rheumatoid) arthritis. I am also vitamin D deficient (4ng/ml) by virtue of vegetarianism, milk avoidance, indoor lifestyle and dark skin. I'm in the process of replacing this.

In your experience, is there any connection between hypovitaminosis D and increased joint uptake of Tc99? If there is, I would feel a whole lot better about not having seronegative RA. If not, I have to assume it's hypovitaminosis complicating underlying seroneg RA...

Thanks in advance for any light you can shed on this.

Regards,

Jay

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Joshua Comments:

Hi Jay.

A 4???? Wow. That's BAD.

Yes, Vitamin D deficiency is absolutely correlative to ALL SORTS of pain and problem. See the Vitamin D pages at www.Easy-Immune-Health.com.

Along those lines, fair warning. You may or may not experience bone pain when replacing the Vit D in your body. Suck it up and get through it. The pain is from your bone regaining size and density inside the shrinkwrapping of the periosteum.

1. You must get your Vit D levels up NOW. It doesn't take months to do. Get liquid Vit D3 that comes in 2,000i.u.'s per drop.

2. All the technical questions are moot (and theoretical) until you get your level up. Get your level up to between 50-80 ng/ml, using Vitamin D3 (NOT prescription Vit D which is Vit D2).

2. You must take Magnesium (anything other than Magnesium Oxide) with your Vit D to convert the supplement into it's active form in the blood. And of course B6 is required to utilize Magnesium.

3. Food is not a source of Vitamin D. It's sunshine or supplement.

4. Don't let a doctor scare you with Rheumatoid Arthritis diagnosis. If you do have joint pain etc, vit d deficiency is a huge factor, and gluten intolerance is the other. Your bones have no chance of operating healthily without Vitamin D.

So.

Tell me what your doctor has said/done about your vit d level and get the level up.

Jan 05, 2012

continued comments re: low Vit Dby: Anonymous

Thanks, Joshua. Yeah, I just started replacing Vit D with 50000IU of D3, 1gm of calcium, and have just checked magnesium levels. No increase in pain so far (3 days). Will recheck levels in a month and again in 2 months. Will keep you posted. Jay

Jan 27, 2012

Peanut is Exhausted - Tenosynovitis and Tendonitis in multiple joints, what can cause this?by: Peanut Norah

Hi, I read this page a few months ago and have come back to it. I'm trying to read experiences of others, and what you've recommended to them, but I'm exhausted from disturbed sleep so this may be easier!

So last February I thought I'd pulled a muscle in one arm. Then the other, then the left shoulder, then the right, then back to the first upper arm, then the left instep, then my wrist, then my knee, then... you get it, the list goes on. Sleepless nights, unable to drive every 3rd day because of the pain, etc. etc. Pain in each place lasted 3-4 days, then I had a day pain-free before it 'travelled' to a new spot.

In October I had full blood screens, and my Dr found little other than I was anaemic. 3 days later I found this page, started taking Mag & Vit D, and have been off the pain killers ever since... Wonderful!

But now I've had a shoulder, my neck (never before, related?) and at this moment, my right instep. I'm on as many pain killers as we're allowed (in UK) and it hasn't touched it. I have an ice pack in the freezer that's almost ready for application... can't wait!

Please can you suggest something else that might help? Or something I can say to my Dr? She's trying hard, but struggling to find an answer. I didn't sleep through my pregnancy, sleep deprived for a year because of baby, now toddler is sleeping through but I have had a year of this!

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Joshua Comments:

Hi Peanut.

I need more info...

1. What does this mean, exactly? 2 years later? Please elaborate: "(had pregnancy problems which means I have to take things easy still...)"

2. What is your Vitamin D level?

3. How much Vitamin D do you take?

4. How much magnesium have you been taking? What kind?

5. In general, how flexible are you? Are your joints hyper-mobile? Can you touch your thumb to your forearm? When you straighten your arm/elbow does your elbow/arm go past a straight line?

6. Do you have rough or easy periods historically/presently?

Jan 31, 2012

Qs answered by Peanut....by: Anonymous

Hi Joshua, thank you for your response...

1. I had SPD Wikipedia: Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction for 16 weeks before I had my son, and was on crutches for that time, plus for a few months afterwards. I still feel twinges if I walk too fast, swim too hard etc. and suffer the next day for it. My back hurt during the pregnancy too, and I don't feel the strength is back in it yet.

2. We don't get information from that from our Doctors, so I don't know!

5. I'm not very flexible, I'm certainly not hyper-mobile, which was the first thing my old Doc said to me (before saying I must have been wringing out the laundry too hard when I had a swollen wrist, and that the dogs must have been pulling too hard on their leads when I went about shoulders and arms feeling 'pulled'!) I'd say flexibility was good for my BMI/Age.

6. Menstrual periods or periods of time where I'm in more pain that others? I'll answer both just in case! Menstrual periods are heavy, quite irregular, painful, and I take 600mg of ferrous sulphate a day at the moment. It's just since last Feb that I've had these pains. The only other thing I've really had in my life (other than the pregnancy through which I also had severe morning sickness for 20weeks and never left my bed) is depression, but nothing physical.

Oh, and the Magnesium is just a one a day tablet from a large supermarket, their own brand...

I am absolutely going to tell you to take more...because you essentially aren't taking any.

1. You MUST get your Vitamin D level. This week. If they have tested it, they'll give it to you. If they haven't, make them. If they refuse, you can get a test online, have it sent to you, etc (assuming that you're in the US, if not, you probably still can, but I'm not sure).

2. I don't know how much 5 micrograms of Vit D is. What does that work out to in i.u.'s?

And it's a safe bet that if it's the RDA, it's not nearly enough, not by a long shot.

I'm a 23 year old female. Overweight, but active i like to randomly go play tennis sometimes. But not anymore. My Achilles tendon pain started out of no where.. Right before new years eve. I could not walk down stairs without sharp shooting pains. Nor could I stand on the balls of my feet. After a few weeks I started feeling stiff in the mornings. I've always been very fatigued and I normally get 10-12 hrs of sleep everyday.. Or im tired if I do not. (this has gone on for a long time) I attributed it to the Effexor Xr I am on since one of the side effects is fatigue. However I got to the point I didnt want to leave bed. It finally became unbearable and I visited the doctor. Im very anemic.. So I started on iron(325mg twice daily) Which helped some of the stiffness, but I also had a positive ANA. My c3 complement level was very high, at 241 and my sediment rate was 36, my neutrophil % was slighty high, also my folic acid was high. My doctor is referring me to a rheumatologist.. But this Achilles tendon pain is excruciating at times. My elbows have also been feeling fairly sore. And I must add that the stiffness I feel is not the same as the sore pain in my tendons. I'm miserable. Any ideas??

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Joshua Comments:

Hi Anonymous.

I don't know what most of that means specifically, but all the clues you just described point to a couple things:

1. Get your vitamin D level checked asap.

2. Stop eating all Gluten for a minimum of two months. Gluten intolerance leads to nutritional deficiency, weight gain, fatigue, etc. Which then sets you up for issues like Achilles Tendonitis.

Wouldn't hurt to significantly cut the sugar and processed foods. Lethargy and 10-12 hours of sleep per day is a clear sign that your body is NOT working very well. Which means it becomes less and less able to deal with the side effects of the toxins and irritants of gluten, processed foods, sugar, etc.

Having said that, it could certainly be the meds making you tired. But then, why are you on the meds, and what nutrients are they depleting you of?

Hello. It seems as I may be having some of these issues too. Right now just knees and elbows tendonitis. I think so anyway, it feels that way to me. I did see my doctor about my left knee and said it is tendonitis. So I assume the same with my other knee and elbows since the pain is the same. Also in January last year my dr told me my vit d was low and recommended 2000iu a day. I been taking it since then, more times than not. I do skip some days due to carelessness. Though my tendon pain just recently started maybe about a couple months ago now.

By reading others post and Joshua's recommendations I believe I need more magnesium. Probably more protein too. I try for at least 100g but don't get there all the time either due to carelessness again. So my question is would this deficiency cause pain in my chest muscles area, more around my heart area or left side??

Hi--I'm suddenly having severe joint/tendon pain in both knees, both ankles, and several other joints. About 6 weeks ago, I wound up on a 3 week course of Levaquil for a sinus infection, and honestly a 102 degree fever isn't conducive to assessing a prescription's side effect list. About a week after I stopped the antibiotic, I started having pain in my knees, and it's gotten progressively worse and spreading to my ankles/Achilles. The pain is constant, but better in the morning. I had tendonitis once about ten years ago, and this fits the feeling and type of pain that I remember.

I do work a desk job, but prior to this starting I was walking and going to the gym pretty regularly, sticking to low-impact aerobics and light weights.

I'm vegetarian, which probably isn't helping, but due to some digestive problems I get very sick when I eat meat (which is how I wound up veggie). Also gluten-free for similar reasons. I usually take Omega-3s, vitamin D, and a multi-V. The local health food store recommended Arginine as well for the tendon problems.

I should be able to get in to the doctor soon, but I would much rather avoid more prescriptions. Do you have any ideas on how to get Levaquil out of the system faster, or halt/reduce the symptom progression?

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Joshua Comments:

Hi Meg.

There is no prescription drug that's going to help you with Levaquin Tendonitis (read that page. Also on that page is a sign up for a free 7 day E-Course on Levaquin).

The good news is, you've started working on your gut health. You'll need to continue to do that.

Mar 27, 2012

Bartonellaby: Anonymous

I have been having pain in my shins and achilles tendons for the past year. After seeing multiple doctors and undergoing many tests for MS, compartment syndrome, vascular problems, etc., it looks like I have a bartonella infection.

This is based on new research on infection spread by pets (cats and dogs), fleas and other insects. If everything is leading to a dead end, I recommend seeing a bartonella expert (the leading expert is in Bethesda Maryland) for further testing. Note that this is not testing that can be performed by most physicians, general or specialists, as it is highly specialized and difficult to identify.

Bartonella can be a co-infection with Lyme disease or it can be contracted without Lyme disease or tick bite. Treatment is usually a combination of antibiotics for six to twelve months.

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Joshua Comments:

It -looks- like you have Bartonella/Lyme, or you -do- have Bartonella/Lyme?

Did you ever take a fluoroquinolone antibiotics? (A new study says that fluoroquinolne can activate Lyme's disease (for those with dormant infections).

Apr 03, 2012

Drummer with Tendonitisby: Chris

I'm a 22 year old Drummer. I have a "Moving" sort of tendonitis, shoulders, wrists, ankles, and elbow. It started a few months ago, I was a vegetarian for 3 years but recently got back onto meat (because of the muscle pain) and have been trying to correct my back posture (which has been bad for many years)

I also had a call center job when my tendonitis started, I've since quit and am now looking to start a line cooking position- do you think that will help?

I'm also on medication for anxiety, PTSD, and Depression- It is supposed to reduce my cortisol levels but I often still feel on edge... do you think this could be contributing?

Thanks for your awesome website by the way!

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Joshua Comments:

A change of position, a change of habit, is always good. Will it help? Who knows.

I obviously don't know why you anxiety etc, but Vit D level and magnesium intake is the first and easiest things to rule out.

May 05, 2012

Bartonellaby: Anonymous

Response to your questions on Bartonella:

I do eat gluten but with no problems.

My vitamin D was low and after supplementing it, I initially had a decrease in pain for about three weeks and then was hit with worse symptoms. I understand that many infections cause a decrease in vitamin D. Vitamin D helps the symptoms but is not the cause of the pain.

My health was excellent until the pain in my legs started. I was at a good weight and working out five days a week.

I have never, and will never, take a fluoroquinolone antibiotic.

I do have dogs and cats and live out in the country. I do not have Lyme disease, but do have bartonella, probably from a flea bite or from one of the cats. Having bartonella without Lyme disease is actually more likely than with Lyme disease, although this is not common knowledge,

After several months of extensive antibiotic treatment, the pain is finally resolving. Before this, I tried every treatment that was recommended. This is the only thing that helped.

This is an under-diagnosed disease since it is very difficult to diagnose. If anyone cannot get results using standard treatments, bartonella should be considered. I wasted a lot of time getting MRIs, testing for compartment syndrome, physical therapy, etc. at Johns Hopkins when I needed antibiotics from a bartonella educated physician.

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Hi Bartonella.

1. Gluten is an inflammatory agent. Why do you think you have no problems from it?

2. I'd be curious to see the basis for your understanding that various infections reduce Vit D levels.

Generally, it's kind of the reverse of that: someone has an infection, happens to get tested for Vitamin D levels, and the conclusion is that the infections caused the low level. When in fact low levels of Vit D are responsible for higher susceptibility to infection.

3. What is your current Vitamin D level? And how much Vit D did you supplement with?

4. Vitamin D supplementation (and from sunshine too) uses up Magnesium. I'm curious if insufficient magnesium had a role to play in the/a resurgence of symptoms 3 weeks after supplementing.

5. No fluoroquinolones. Good.

6. Taking probiotics to counteract the downsides of the antibiotics?

May 07, 2012

Advice about IBS and Achilles Tendonitisby: Anonymous

Hi,

I am a 21 year-old female, with lifelong eczema, increasingly worse allergies, and IBS since the age of 13, which is gradually becoming worse. Beginning when I was 18 and increased my physical activity I began to have achilles tendonitis, which mostly was taken care of with physical therapy. Since then, I have had it in my other achilles tendon, and the top of both feet. Recently, it has gotten bad on the top of one of my feet. I am a dancer and walk a lot, and occasionally run. Lately I have less time to dance, but I still walk. For the last 2-3 months I have had several enlarged lymph nodes in my neck, which my doctor attributed to allergies, and then to a potential throat infection, but neither antibiotics nor antihistamines have improved it. I have been tested for lactose intolerance which was negative (though I have read that the tests don't always test for methane, and I suspect that I am intolerant to some dairy products) and have had a bowel biopsy and blood tests that ruled out celiac disease.

I have changed "habitats," so to speak a lot this year (studying abroad, going home, going a broad) so this is probably a factor.

Is this mostly attributable to my physical activity and environmental changes?

Thank you!

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Joshua Comments:

Hi Anonymous.

If you don't already know, you are significantly Gluten Intolerant. (I'm not diagnosing you, I'm just saying that everything about what you said SCREAMS gluten intolerant.

You MUST go gluten free. You must get your Vitamin D level tested and up to where it's supposed to be. And some other therapeutic supplementation to help heal the gut, and beneficially affect the Achilles Tendonitis dynamic.

I mean, you don't have to, but....

So that's a start to this conversation.

Technically your question is about the Achilles tendonitis, but if you don't deal with the gut issues and the nutritional insufficiency/deficiency that that causes, chances are that you'll have more tendonitis in different areas and multiple joint pain in you future.

This is a wonderful website! I am a 22 year old female, 5'3 and about 120 pounds. I dance, walk a lot, do yoga, and occasionally run.

About 4 years ago I began to have achilles tendonitis in my right ankle when I began dancing more, which mostly went away with physical therapy. Since, I have had very mild beginnings of tendonitis in my left achilles and foot, and now have acute tendonitis in my right foot, and I can feet the achilles pain in my right ankle coming back. I have also had knee pain after running but do not know what it's related to.

I have had swollen lymph nodes for about 2 months in my neck, and have been treated for allergies and a possible infection with no results. The lymph nodes are small and soft, so my doctor is not particularly concerned. I also have moderate IBS, eczema, and a family history of hypothyroidism. I have been tested for milk and wheat allergies, and celiac's disease, which all came back negative. My lactose intolerance test came back negative, but from what I have read the test is not 100% reliable, and I suspect I still have trouble with high-lactose foods.

I'm getting blood tests tomorrow for the lymph nodes, and although the doctor says they are unrelated to my tendon problems, I am unsure.

Thank you for all the information!

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Joshua Comments:

Hi again Anonymous.

I think you're the same person, if not that's a hell of a coincidence.

Additionally to what I said in the last response, gluten is an inflammatory agent.

Guess what happens when one has, among other things, chronic inflammation? Swollen lymph glands, overactive immune system as your body attacks the protein fibers leaking through the gut wall, etc.

Let me know what the doctor says. If there's nothing conclusive like cancer, I wouldn't worry about the swollen lymph nodes.

Let me rephrase that! Don't -worry- about it, but do know that your body is screaming at you that something's wrong systemically, and you better pay attention and find the right answers to dealing with it effectively.

Let me know what the doc says, and any response to what I've said.

May 09, 2012

Magnesium Oxide?by: Chris

You mention on the Magnesium page that magnesium Oxide is not a good supplement and that I should look for regular Magnesium- what's the reason for this?

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Joshua Comments:

Oxide is 'regular' magnesium.

Oxide is the most common, and thus the cheapest and thus is the primary ingredient found on the shelves.

But it's by far the least absorbable.

May 23, 2012

Tendonitis spreading all over?by: Marcus

Hi there,

a few years ago I developed golfers elbow. I weight train a lot, so I spent abot a year only doing pushing exercises to not exacerbate it. I then eventually had physio with dry punction , ultra sound, massage etc and it seemed to get better.

Immediately after this went I developed Tennis elbow. I also wakeboard in the summer and could only go one day a week, if I went a second time even after one minute skiing I would be in so much pain with my elbow I wouldnt be able to talk for an hour until the ibuprofen kicked in. The wakeboarding for the last few years was difficult due to the previous golfers elbow also.

Last September I broke my wrist and subsequently the time off from doing anything helped.

I started backin the gym in October last year and all was fine. The odd twinge but nothing holding me back from pushing or pulling exercises.

It has now returned in both arms (tennis elbow) with a tiny bit of golfers elbow too.

Had more physio and am trying to rest by only doing skipping and abs.

Since I started skipping I now have a sore achilles heel too.Only on the right side.

I eat regularly as I have all my life, meat fish, milk, coffee etc etc.

I am now earing one of these bioflow magnetic bracelets to see if it will help, also taking creatine but dont know if that will do anything and im not taking it specifically for this issue but thought I would mention it.

I am 34, have weight trained and been sporty all my life. I noticed sore achilles about 4-5 years ago when I started playing 5 a side football to the poing I couldnt run anymore, but since I stopped that I have done muay thai for a year with skipping 3 times a week with no problems.

What else do you need to know?

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Joshua Comments:

Hi Marcus.

That's all I really need to hear. Sounds like a Tendonitis dynamic to me.

That you have it developing in various spots points to nutrition (lack of nutrition, specifically) as a big factor.

I have been avidly reading your site. I am thinking of getting magnesium, collagen and vit c , plus ice dipping, packs and ice application to the damaged areas. Can you suggest what levels of supplements I need or anything I should watch out for or not buy (e.g. not magnesium oxide)

Thanks for your help, I really hope to start seeing this working soon, its really getting me down.

I don't usually recommend Vit C, there's certainly no harm in taking it and it's ONLY a good thing, so if you're going to take that 1,000-2,000mg/day is good, and I'd double that for a couple weeks while your starting the self care.

I was starting to feel so crazy because I get tendonitis that seems to travel. I stopped eating gluten and dairy to start. I seem to have the whole leaky gut issue and do not absorb vitamins like I should.

I take digestive enzymes, probiotics and l-glutamine for this with slight improvement.

Because I don't absorb vitamins well I have to use magnesium gel and almost daily Epsom salt balts to get magnesium levels up. Also take around 5000 mg of D to keep levels up to normal.

I also take serrapeptase, curcumin and msm for inflammation. I do not drink or smoke..nor do I eat processed foods or sugar.

I have limited meat and eat lots of fruits and veggies and rice excluding nights shades as they have been known to contribute to arthritis.

I have protein shakes every day. I have high ANA levels which is sign of rheumatoid arthritis but my naturopathic dr doesn't beleive I have this.

With all diet changes I was starting to improve but now am worse. Each time I get rid of tendonitis in one area it isn't too ling before it pops up elsewhere. Certain joint or tendons are always sore like hips and rotator cuffs.

I do not exercise because I can't..sometimes it is like I get pain just appears out of no where for no reason. I have read that weak muscles /tendons can contribute but I can't strengthen them.

My latest incident is elbow tendonitis which came about by doing a couple of reps with tension band..no weights.

Any suggestions?

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Joshua Comments:

1. How long since you went off gluten?

2. Say more about 'starting to improve but now getting worse'.

3. Why not oral magnesium?

Jul 04, 2012

Or...by: 7 Lyme Facts (google this)

I have had painful, progressive pain in the tendons behind my knees, inner thighs, and tightening, in my, quads,& hamstrings for years... I am strictly limited in how much I can walk. I stretch like mad to ease the pain...but it only helps so much. Started many years ago after camping in osemite, only by a crazy twist of fate.

Years later did I get a New tick bite, complete a DNA test on the tick & *finally* gain access to Lyme tx. I took exactly 100mg of magnesium a day whil on Levaquin (but not taken together) & never had tendon damage from the treatment. Because of the antibiotics, I'm now better than before the bite. If only I knew.

Find and demand a western blot lyme disease test long before so much permanent damage occurred.

A special note of appreciation to the CEO of my health plan provider for living high off of our healthcare premiums & leaving me to sustain severe muscle & kidney damage and probably die younger than necessary from medical neglect.

Jul 08, 2012

Anonyhip - Hip Tendonitis and Bursitisby: Anonymous

I was just diagnosed with tendonitis and bursitis in both hips (by ultrasound). Symptoms started 9 months ago with stiffness in hips when first rising from a chair. Then it progressed to what I call "princess and the pea syndrome" which means lying on the hips and sitting for long periods hurts. Also when sitting in certain positions, I get lower back pain in addition to the hip pain. The pain sometimes travels to the thighs, groin and even shin area -- both sides -- but mostly the right.

I'm a 48-year old female, pretty active, normal weight, had surgery last year to remove 2 cysts in my uterus. This pain started a month after the surgery. I also was recently tested for D and have a level of 23 (54 in Canada). This was 2 months ago, since then, I've been taking 6,000 - 10,000 units a day (even though my doctor only told me to take 1,000!). I also have long-standing neck issues (DDD).

I haven't even had a hip x-ray yet -- the medical establishment is so slow. My doc's answer to everything is to take strong anti inflammatories -- without even a definitive diagnosis! Tried to take them several times and they don't help. Nothing does. Even when I first started the vit D, it increased the pain (initially).

And to add insult to injury, alcohol exasperates the symptoms. So much for a nice glass of wine!

oh and ps. I spend a lot of time sitting at the computer. At least 60 - 80 hours a week.

ps ps. I did try magnesium, but it also made the pain worse. (Minerals in general seem to do it). Like I said, I've suddenly have princess and the pea syndrome.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!!

Jul 13, 2012

Undiagnosed chronic joint pain in teenager (CJPT)by: Merrell

I am 15 years old, female, about 125 pounds, and very healthy and active. For about 3 1/2 years I have had joint pain in my knees, hips, wrists, fingers, toes, elbows, and occasionally ankles.

My right shoulder has pain, but only when doing pushups, dips, lifting weights above my head, etc. I have gone to multiple doctors, and not one knows what is going on. We even went to Vanderbilt childrens hospital to see a specialist. All he said is that I am not active enough and other than that, he doesn't know what I have, or the cause. However, I play tennis competitively multiple times a week, ride horses, and am very active, so I don't see how that is a cause.

My pain is off and on, no certain pattern. It started in my knees and began to spread. My knees, fingers, toes, and wrists are the most severe. Sometimes they will hurt while using them, or they will just randomly start hurting. No swelling, no redness, not tender to touch. Also have no records of injuring any joints (broken bones, car accidents etc) Sometimes it is sharp pains, or sometimes dull throbbing pains. No pattern.

I also do not get fevers or headaches from this. The doctors tested me for lupus, Lyme disease, and arthritis, and all the tests were negative. Also about 6 months ago, horrible pain was in my eye, Which the doctor said was called episcleritis, commony associated with joint pain.

However, I don't think a doctor has tested me for tendinitis, does this sound like a possibility? Please comment any thoughts or opinions on what I might have or any cures! Thanks

Jul 16, 2012

Tenosynovitis and Tendonitis in multiple joints, what can cause this?by: The Tendonitis Expert

Joshua Comments to Anonyhip:

Hello Anonyhip.

I don't know much about internal cysts.

I do know, from what you've said, that chances are you're definitely suffering from nutritional deficiency and the side effects thereof.

Which of the numbers for vitamin D that you gave me are 'ng/ml'?

23 ng/ml level of Vit D is too low. You want between 60-80 ng/ml.

Fact: Stress, which surgery is, causes incresed needs for nutrition. If you don't get that nutrition, various symptoms appear.

If vit D causes bone pain, that means that your bones had been shrinking (basically) and the Vit D is allowing them to regrow, or at least to plump up' and that causes pain because the connective tissue shrinkwrapping the bone has compressed/constricted down.

10,000i.u.'s per day of Vitamin D3, research shows, levels a person out at about 80ng/ml. So do 10,000 as a maintenance dose. Get tested again in a few months so you know if and how much your level has come up.

Fact: 1,000i.u.'s per day as your doctor recommended would NOT raise you Vit D levels.

Same kind of thing with Magnesium, most likely. If you're short, and the body adapts to lack of necessary nutrition as best it can, sometimes when putting that nutrition back in there is pain/discomfort because the body has to again adapt/change.

If you have hip pain and bursitis, and back pain, then you have too tight muscles etc. Lack of magnesium causes muscles to literally be unable to loosen up and relax. Thus you're stuck tight, and get tighter and tighter, and that compresses on bursa and vertebrae etc.

- Get your Vitamin D level tested ASAP. The pain you described is one of many possible Vitamin D deficiency symptoms. No, playing tennis in the sun does not guarantee that your level is where it should be.

Doctors don't really believe in nutritional deficiency, even though they say they do.

2. Gluten intolerance.

Gluten is an inflammatory agent. In everybody. But some people are more affected than others.

Symptoms can look like a variety of things, including random joint pain, and definitely including joint pain.

I could say a lot more about this, but basically, go TOTALLY OFF ALL gluten for 2 months (while taking Magnesium and Vitamin D and eating lots of healthy, organic, non-processed food) and see what happens.

Doctors don't really believe in gluten intolerance.

3. It's probably and almost certainly #1 and #2 above. If you're healthy and have energy and the joint pain thing is your only symptoms, it's most likely the above. And if it's gluten intolerance causing your symptoms, you -really- need to consider a lifetime of little to no gluten going into your body for both the long term and the short term.

Joint pain at age 15 equals debilitating symptoms of various sorts at age 40.

4. Worst case scenario, you have a gut bug like 'h pylori' and/or a gut parasite. Both can and do cause the symptoms you describe. It wouldn't hurt to get an h pylori test just to know now instead of later.

More questions, more answers.

Jul 19, 2012

Psychological? Depression, insomnia, tendonitis injuriesby: Taylor

Hi,For the last few years I've had these problems.It started with Tennis elbow. Really bad.After that a shoulder injury. Then a foot injury just from taking a walk. Then came daily migraines, fatigue, pain everywhere (in fribro locations), blurred vision, pain behind the eyes, muscle spasms, psoriasis in my ears, digestive problems.

I just had my tonsils removed as they were too enlarged and blocking my airways. I have always suffered from insomnia and depression and thought this could be due to the tonsils and lack of oxygen to the brain/blood.

I've recently become aware that depression can cause pain, and there is a possibility that tight muscles from stress/depression could cause tendonitis and other injuries so I will be trying antidepressants next as well as a colonoscopy to see what's going on inside. Blood test have been inconclusive besides Epstein Barr virus and low liver function.

I've seen a naturapath, neurologist, dermatologist and several gps. I may need to see a reumotologist.

My vit D is a little low and I'm taking supplements. I've tried total vegetarian diets, although my diet has always been good, and I've tried cutting out dairy.

I've come to realise that these problems could be caused by a hundred things, and all I can do is keep pushing to find out. It's costing me thousands of dollars, but there isn't much else I can do but keep pushing for answers because I refuse to live the rest of my life like this. I'm 29.

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Joshua Comments:

What was your Vitamin D level?How much are Vit D3 you supplementing with?How much Magnesium do you take?How much gluten do you eat, now and historically?History if injury previously?History of illness?Traveled out of the country?History of antibiotics?How long is 'always', when you say 'always had insomnia and depression?

Could be psychological, certainly possible, but I have no way of telling if it is or not, so I just deal with the physical side of things. Check off enough of the right basics, and see what's what.

It is -absolutely- possible that tight muscles cause pain and injury. Thus the question becomes, why are the muscles so tight for so long?

Depression, IMHO, is generally a function of nutritional deficiency.

I challenge your assertion that your diet has always been good, as it seems clear to me that it clearly hasn't been good for you.

I appreciate that you're motivated to find answers. Good. Answer the above questions, and we'll go from there.

Jul 20, 2012

Re: psychological? by: Anonymous

Thanks mate,From memory I THINK my vitamin D levels were in the 30's.I'm supplementing 1000IU D3 2 per day but the doc didn't say how much to supplement. Also taking multivitamins. Magnesium only in multivitamins although blood tests showed that levels were good and no celiac disease.I tried a diet of only fruits, veg, fish and nuts for a month but didn't notice much difference. The constant pain all over started after a stint of accutane (acne medication) for 6 months but the tightness and tennis elbow was before that. I've had depression since I can remember. It came and went but lately it's been much worse.I've never traveled overseas.I start antidepressants tomorrow.I think it's fantastic that you are dedicated to helping people on this website!Thanks.

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Joshua Comments:

1. The problem with anti-depressants is that A. they cause a certain amount of nutritional deficiency, B. They don't fix anything (though they can help in the short term, and C. one has to be very careful about coming off of them.

2. Vit D level should be 50-80 ng/ml. 10,000 i.u.'s per day is -probably- good. Just all depends as it may or may not be enough to bring your levels up any time soon. You'll have to get checked again

3. More magnesium. Hospital magnesium level tests are irrelevant as they use the wrong kind of test, and generally even then consider low to be 'just fine'. See: Magnesium Dosage.

4. Depression can be from something like Vit D deficiency, various nutritional deficiency, and/or a neurotransmitter deficiency (which anti-depressants can burn out even more).

I'm not an expert in the depression field, so, ya know.

Aug 06, 2012

urgent help, knee pain maybe from the pill?by: Anonymous

About a month ago I started to experience pain in my knees whenever i bent down on the ground. I thought I hurt myself when I bent down rather quickly and dismissed it.

Over the weeks it has progressed and now I feel pain on some of my fingers (joints), my elbows and of course my knees. I took a blood test and it came out negative that I have arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. \ I initially thought it was due to the new birth control I began taking a little while before I experienced the pain. I've stopped taking it for a week and 3days.

While the pain has gotten much better to me it's extremely weird, especially because I'm only 24 years old. Please help me. I am waiting to see a rheumatologist, but would like some answers while I wait.

Thank you!

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Joshua Comments:

Hi Anonyknee.

How are things now?

Being 24 doesn't magically save you from things starting to go downhill....it's happening sooner and sooner with the crappy standard american diet, etc.

I'd need more info, including overall health, general diet, activity level, etc, to have any kind of opinion.

Aug 09, 2012

A stop press moment for all to read!by: Peanut Norah

Hi, I posted further up the page under the same name...

My third Doctor referred me to a rheumatologist. I finally have a diagnosis that I think may be of interest to many on this thread...

Palindromic Rheumatism.

It's a very rare form of arthritis. Palindromic as it comes, and it goes. Suddenly, painfully, unexpectedly, randomly all over the body: muscles, joints, tendons, soft tissue.

After reading when I first posted, and identifying with a lot of the contributors to this thread, I'd like to suggest to a lot of you to check it out... Crtl + F search Peanut Norah to find my previous thread to see if you identify with me and possibly have this little-known arthritis. Thankfully my rheumatologist recognised it straight away, some may not be familiar with it...

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Joshua Comments:

Hi Peanut.

Did your doctor tell you to stop eating ALL gluten, and to go gluten free for at least two months?

You didn't mention that this doctor mentioned anything about a cure or a way to reverse this diagnosis.

I promise you, if you want any hope of resolving this, you need to go gluten free and supplement with enough appropriate nutrition.

Aug 09, 2012

Sporadic pain, Is it actually tendonitis?by: Caroline

Hi, I have read all comments with great interest but am not actually sure I have tendonitis.

I have recurring tendon/ligament pain in various parts of my body (currently elbow - extending up to shoulder). I say currently because I am pretty sure that it will be gone by tomorrow. At the moment I also have a sore hand just short of my middle finger, quite tender and hard to stretch. I know this will also be gone by tomorrow morning.

The problem is, I could have nothing for a week then one week pain in an ankle or around the knee, two weeks nothing, and then perhaps arm or wrists the following. Sometimes maybe nothing for up to 6 months.

The pain is really severe, often debilitating me on the day it is present so I usually take nurophen and use a support bandage to alleviate the pain. I spend a lot of time wondering what I did the day before to over exert that particular body part. Sometimes I have an explanation but not always.

When the pain is extreme I make a conscious decision to go the Doctor but as it has usually disappeared the following day, I feel a bit silly saying, "aaah I have pain, this time it was here....". Does this constitute tendonitis? Am I simply a hypochondriac?

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Joshua Comments:

Hi Caroline.

Ironically, that sounds like Peanut's diagnosis the comment ahead of yours.

I don't know if you're a hypochondriac or not.

Are you?

If you are, I probably can't help. If you're not, then you're NOT crazy, it's not just in your head, you really do have pain. Pain shows up a lot of different ways for a lot of different reasons. I've certainly seen stranger things.

Let's run with that this is a real issue for you.

It doesn't sound like traditional tendonitis. It sounds more systemic.

Possibly nutritional insufficiency/deficiency, possibly cortisol imbalance and/or a hormonal thing. I certainly don't know enough yet to have much of an opinion other than it being a systemic issue.

I have had 4 pregnancies and now have two lovely kids (5 & 8). My cycle has been regular although I had one year in my twenties when it didn't come at all and about a year ago I started to get my period every 3 weeks. Since overhauling my diet earlier this year = eating more greens, whole grains, minimal fat, carbs & processed foods, I am back on 28 days.

I am 5,8", about 59 kgs and I have always been pretty active, I jog, cycle, swim & was addicted to squash for many years. As a result of a new running technique I did have tendonitis in my right calf which was cured in about 6-8 weeks using anti-inflammatory prescription drugs so I know what that pain feels like (about 2 years ago)

I do have runner's knee but manage that by not exceeding 5/6 kms each run. I had a varicose vein removed from my left leg also about 18 months ago. I do notice some minor circulation problems in my legs from time to time.

I don't use any drugs (except for nurofen to help with this issue) and if I have to fly to Australia, on the advice of the doctor, usually take small doses of aspirin to avoid circulation problems. I've probably had antibiotics 4 times in my entire life.

I don't have digestion problems and everything works well on a daily basis. Every so often I get bad stomach cramps usually after eating too quickly or after too many carbs.

My energy levels are really quite low to be honest, that I am told comes from being an older mum (46) with two small kids. I could go to bed a lot earlier and think that an extra hour or two of sleep might help me there.

4. Do you supplement nutritionally at all, if so, with what and how much?

I take flaxseed oil capsules (1250mg) daily (though do tend to forget).

Although not usually the case, the pain my left hand from a couple of days ago is still there and my middle finger is quite swollen and red at the outer base. The tender area around my right elbow is also still apparent, swollen and red. I only took nurofen 2 days ago to alleviate the major pain so it's now just a dull pain. Normally these things are gone within 24 hours & I don't like to continue more than one day on nurofen.

Thanks again for your help so far. I hope this comment reaches you.

Aug 11, 2012

Joshua Replies to Caroline: Tenosynovitis and Tendonitis in multiple joints, what can cause thisby: The Tendonitis Expert

Joshua Comments:

Hi Caroline. Thanks for the details.

In general, I suspect you're looking at nutritional insufficiency/deficiency, which includes (probably significant) gluten intolerance.

In no particular order:

1. Get your Vitamin D level checked ASAP. Then let me know what the level is. Have a doctor do the level, or I can point you to an online source for an in-home blood spot test kit you get in the mail then send back to the lab.

3. Educate yourself about gluten. I suspect that's to blame for many of your health issues/history.

4. I suspect that you need to go TOTALLY gluten free. Gluten is an inflammatory agent. This can be local gut inflammation and or systemic inflammation and or autoimmune response.

I'm totally surmising about why two of your four pregnancies....failed (sorry, that's probably a horrible choice of terms but as I don't know the exact history/situation..), but the case can be made that gluten causes inflammation that both prevents pregnancies from happening and causes miscarriages. It's entirely common. And if improving your diet regulates your period regularity so significantly, it is a safe bet that gluten effects you just a significantly the other direction.

5. Your doctor said something to the effect that your "...energy levels are really quite low to be honest, that I am told comes from being an older mum (46) with two small kids".

That is total bullshit. Even worse is that your doctor(s) have left you in a state of low energy and nutritional deficiency (I use the word 'deficiency' loosely). They're supposed to help, right?

Kids deplete the body of nutrition in a variety of ways. And it's unlikely you were nutritionaly sound going into any of them. Probably your're some level of anemic (low energy). Lack of nutrition can also explain circulatory issues.

My first recommendation would be to work with a Functional Medicine Practitioner like Kerri. You'll find her at the easy-immune-health.com site I pointed you to for h pylori.

I just said about three sentences describing your situation to Kerri and she said 'it's almost certainly adrenals'.

Meaning, Adrenal Fatigue. Which can happen for a variety of reasons including nutritional deficiency, gluten intolerance, etc.

The good news is, so far it sounds like this is all reversible with some time, education, and effort.

Aug 13, 2012

Tendonitis or not?by: Caroline

Dear Joshua,

Thanks for your speedy and informative response. I certainly have my work cut out. I had my Vit D level checked and my iron whilst at it and it's all good. I also checked any sources of gluten in my current diet and understanding how there can be hidden traces I have failed to find any. So I will further explore the other suggestions you made, adrenal fatigue and h pylori.

Just for your info. I had no trouble falling pregnant. The first pregnancy ended unexpectedly at 20 weeks as a result of an enormous (20cm) fibroid or intramural myoma. Having had that removed my second pregnancy ended later in gestation as a result of an incompetent cervix which in itself was a result of the surgery to remove the initial fibroid. Taking time to recover I was quite a bit older when they figured that out so tests were carried out to check my fertility and even at 40 I was no where near the end of my child bearing possibilities. I fell pregnant without any problem on both occasions so it seems the hormones are good on that front. A couple of preventative stitches and 2 C-sections later, Voila!

I am off on holiday for a few weeks so won't make much progress on the other investigations but thank you so much for advice so far.Caroline

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Joshua Comments:

Hi Caroline.

Ok. The more details I get, the better a picture I can create.

Now or when you get back, what exactly was your Vitamin D and iron levels?

"It's all good." varies widely, depending on who you talk to. So I'm curious.

Aug 27, 2012

same problemby: Camille

I too have had tendonitis for about 4 years. It started in both achilles when I was training for a marathon (makes sense). Stopped running, and the tendonitis stuck around. Then I started rock climbing, and got it in both elbows. Stopped climbing, tendonitis remained. Lastly, it spread to my knees from using an elliptical. I have tried everything! I stopped working out almost a year ago and did physical therapy.

I cut out gluten, dairy, soy, corn, and sugar (I'm already vegetarian) to no avail. I've taken Cipro about 3 times, and did glutathione IVs with a naturopath to try and detox my liver, to no avail. My TSH is 2.3, and my sed rate is normal (though it was elevated a few months ago). I'm going crazy! Day to day is mostly okay, but I can't do any sports, and I periodically get major flare ups that sometimes leave me on crutches. I've done supplements (magnesium, probiotics, enzymes, turmeric, etc), and nothing helps.

The rhuemotologist I saw suggested Reiter's syndrom, but the symptoms don't feel like they exactly line up with what I have going on. Would love/appreciate any thoughts.

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Joshua Comments:

Depending on the timing of your symptoms and the Cipro, I have two thoughts.

1. See: Magnesium For Tendonitis. Muscles eat magnesium. When you're short on magnesium, you get tendonitis and tendonitis symptoms.

Cipro is bad news, and if it's causing your symptoms, I highly suggest that you get to work to get your body back to as happy a state as possible.

Sep 18, 2012

too much to be coincidentalby: Jennifer

PART ONEHi, I too have this thing I call travelling tendonitis. I will start by saying I am a 36 yr old female and I have had problems for what seems like forever. As a child I had chronic knee and leg pain, chalked up to bilateral patellar femoral syndrome. I did break my wrist as a child too.

But the majority of my symptoms I believe started about 6-7 years ago. I think my first symptom was when I developed severe bilateral plantar facitis and heel spurs. Went to therapy and it seemed to calm down. Then within a year I was diagnosed with a blood clot in my left arm from elbow to shoulder that was an incidental find when getting an ultrasound of a lump in my arm. After that I was diagnosed with Antiphospholipid syndrome and since then also diagnosed with Lupus and Fibromyalgia. The crazy tendonitis issues just keep coming though. It was in my right pinky finger, i went to therapy and that resolved. Then 2 years ago it popped up in my right elbow both lateral and medial aspects, this one has never gone away and I am planning to have surgery on it next year. I have tried therapy, multiple cortisone injections that offer short term relief, dry needling which did nothing but cause more pain, and tried to go to the chiroprachtor but with all my issues (extensive bruising due to coumadin just from his reflex hammer alone...) he turned me down as a patient. The other areas the tendonitis has made appearances but gone away have included both right and left thumbs, both achilies tendons, left medial elbow, another trip to ER for that one due to the intense pain (in which there was another incidental find of a blood clot in my jugular even while on coumadin). I have also had terrible pain in my right hip, but not sure if that was tendonitis or something else. Have terrible pain in my knees if I squat down, and get incredibly stiff when sitting for a while..it looks like im a 90 yr old woman trying to get up and walk, and incredible pain in my butt (yeah I said that...LOL) when sitting for any length of time.

Sep 18, 2012

Part Twoby: Jennifer

My ortho and my regular rheumatologist dont know or think the tendonitis is related to the lupus/fibro, but I did just go to Hopkins to see the specialist there and she seems to think its related to the fibro and advised trying Tai Chi due to a study that was done that it seems to help fibro patients.

The last vitamin D level I have the result on the level was 37, but that was before I started taking 5000IU's everyday. I did get my blood work done last week at Hopkins but I dont have that result back yet, i'm assuiming it will be higher since I have been taking the supplements, I also take a childrens chewable multiple vitamin and calcium chewables everyday.

So I guess my main concern is the fact that I am having to resort to surgery for this tendonitis in my right elbow...I have tried every alternative that was presented to me until I came across this site. So I am hoping you cam give me some useful information. I will be honest and say I really dont know anything about gluten intolerances. Im not sure exactly how healthy or unhealthy my diet is...but im sure its probably not balanced. I tend to eat a lot of bagged salads and chobani greek yogurt and unfortunatly I am a junk food junkie (meaning chocolate and chips and ice cream) Lately I was trying a diet program called Visalus where you drink 2 shakes a day and these are made with almond milk, but I seem to be feeling worse since starting this...maybe diet related? I am a runner and have found that lately I havent even had the energy or desire to really do much training....not sure if its just cuz it was hot and summer time or just due to pure exhaustion.

Im trying to throw as much info at you as possible so you can make a suggestion with all the pertinent info.. Oh and other meds I take for my myriad of illnesses include...Plaquenil, Coumadin, Aspirin, flexeril, claritin, biotin, and prilosec. New scripts I havent filled yet include celebrex and folbic..

Please help!!! Im tired of hurting all the time and the right arm is so bad at this point I cant even straighten the arm... After driving to work with my hand on the steering wheel if I so much as try to scratch my nose I cant even get my hand to my face or make my fingers work...sometimes feeding myself is incredibly difficult and painful... I would love to find a solution to this without having to have surgery to detatch a tendon from the bone...the very idea terrifies me but I just dont know what else is left to do...

(Answered in next post)

Sep 22, 2012

Joshua Responds to Jennifer - Tenosynovitis and Tendonitis in multiple joints, what can cause this? by: The Tendonitis Expert

Joshua Comments:

Hi Jennifer.

1. I assure you that your travelling tendonitis symptoms are primarily a function of long term nutritional deficiency. Why do I say this? Because you have fibromyalgia and lupus symptoms, which are side effects of nutritional issues.

2. STOP EATING ALL GLUTEN. If you want any chance of recovery, you must shift to a gluten free diet. Period.

3. I can't say anything re: your nutrition per se. When coumadin and blood clots gets involved, that's far outside my sphere of knowledge, I just don't know the effects of that with nutrition supplementation. So...

4. So you need to find a naturopath that believes fibromyalgia and lupus is curable. Hospital doctors just don't have the belief system nor the tools to effectively deal with your health issues.

Having said that, you MUST switch to a gluten free lifestyle.

5. In general, you want your Vitamin D level between 50-80 ng/ml.

It sounds like you're motivated and involved. Great! Now it's just a matter of doing the right things and talking with the right people. It seems that so far you've been talking with people that don't know how to fix/cure fibromyalgia and/or lupus. It's definitely time to shift that, and you've started down that path, so that's good.

Oct 17, 2012

Can you help me? Vegetarian runner with osteopenia and tendonitisby: Anonymous

I am a 24 year old female. I have been doing long distance running for over 10 years. I used to be a pretty good marathoner too, before my tendonitis problems began.

It started a few years ago when I was diagnosed with peroneal tendonitis in my right ankle. I started doing PT and was told I could work my way back into running.

When that happened, I started to develop symptoms of Achilles tendonitis in the same leg. My doc ordered an MRI which revealed I had a tibial stress fracture. A recent bone density scan also revealed I have osteopenia in my right hip. My running days since then have been limited since when I try to get back into it, I will have occasional peritoneal tendonitis flare ups.

Just recently, I developed supraspinitous tendonitis, again on my right side. I have no history of injury to the joint, nor do I do any sport that requires excessive rotator cuff usage.

I tend to eat very healthily. For the past few years, I have been eating mostly vegetarian, which occasional seafood. I have been having a lot of dairy recently for the osteopenia.

I also felt like a lot of my joint pains and tendonitis symptoms might have been from some nutrient deficiency, so the past few weeks I have tried to up my protein intake (including animal protein). I also started taking a B12 supplement. Am I on the right track or do you think there is something else?

Help me please! I want to go back to feeling normal again. I am a first year med student and the frustration from constant aches is the last thing I need!

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Joshua Comments:

Hi Anonymous.

Yes, I'd look at nutrition first and foremost.

I suggest you get my Reversing Achilles Tendonitis ebook, it will cover that (and give you self care to do for the achilles/peroneal soft tissue side of things).

Osteoporosis and osteopenia is a function of being short of Vitamin D and Magnesium. Milk and/or calcium supplementation just ain't going to do the job.

And vegetarians are notorious for being short of B12.

AND you are/were a heavy duty athlete, so you have HIGH nutritional needs. I know there are some athletes who thrive on vegetarian diets, and that's great, and I'm just going with that you're not one of those bodies that can do it (everybody's somewhere on a bell curve).

So yes. More protein. More good fat. More good nutrition (therapeutic supplementation, as I don't believe that one can fill a nutritional hole once there is one just from food).

Nov 16, 2012

Post Viral Non Specific Tenodonitis??by: Maria

Hi Joshua,

I have been diagnosed with 'post viral, non specific tendonitis'...

Am age 34 and about 2 years ago, had pain in my right foot (more specifically the ball of the foot due to inflammation of my second toe). It had gone on for a year and was referred to a specialist who advised that he believed I had a mortons neuroma.

Long story short, this surgeon recommended surgery and apparently removed the problem (after cutting through the BOTTOM of my foot). However, the swelling never went (and i put this down to the fact that he left several metal artifacts in my foot according to second MRI).

Since last June 11 (op) I have had inflammation in my right thumb, right knee, both achilles and oddly enough, the 2nd toe on my left foot is also swelling (same symptoms as the right one before the op). Have since been for a second opinion.

They do not believe I had mortons neuroma. The doctor had injected my right foot with cortisone which seems to have taken down the swelling in the toe. blood tests have been taken to check for RA, gout, thyroids etc but all clear. The doctor advises that with post viral non specific tendonitis, I just need to wait for my body to heal itself and they are prescribing me an anti inflammatory at present (which have been on for 4 months).

Some mornings I am in so much pain I can barely walk and I am a very active single mother of 2 young boys who need their Mum on her toes- and so I would be grateful for any help/advice you can give me.

Thanks.

Maria

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Joshua Comments:

"post viral non specific tendonitis" basically means they have no idea why you have pain.

1. Say more about the metal that's been left in there. It's just floating around?

2. What exactly are you doing, self-care wise, aside from anti-inflammatories?

Nov 22, 2012

Post Viral Non Specific Tendonitis??by: Maria

Hi Joshua,

From the MRI scan, they said I have 'several metal artifacts' possibly left behinf from old tools used in the op but did not state if they were floating. They just advised they could not go back in to take them out as they are several 'small' particals and may never find them all.

I have continuosly asked them if this could be affecting me and my joints as I also have a rash on my arms (under my skin) that does not go away entirely, just fades during the course of the day, but the experts have told me no. They said surgical equipment would not cause any blood related issues that would affect my joints. Aside fro dicloflex, I am taking vitamin D3 (recently, after reading your website) and just pain killers if I have a really bad day. This week they started me on physio and have given me some exercises to do (oh, and also ultra sound). But they say this virus should leave my body within 12 months however, I am not convinced, as what started off as one joint, all these months later, it seems to be spreading to various joints.

Thanks.

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Joshua Comments:

Hmmm, did I not ask what the viral/virus was? Where does that fit in?

I'll save the rest of my answer till you respond to that.

Nov 22, 2012

Post Viral Non Specific Tendonitis??by: Maria

Sorry, they say post viral pains/tendonitis will take up to 12 months to leave my body. They do not know what type of virus i had. they mentioned a couple of times that i had signs of swelling/infection in my blood.

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Joshua Comments:

So just to be clear, there's no evidence of any actual virus? Just some inflammation in the blood? (which would make sense if your body is responding to the shrapnel in your foot.

Which conveniently puts the focus on a virus and not left over metal from a surgery. A surgery that one might say was botched and putting them at risk for a lawsuit. FYI, metal left over in the body from a surgery is NOT normal.

So again, just to be clear, no actual evidence of any viral activity?

Nov 22, 2012

Tendonitis or not? Palindromic rhemumatism.by: CarolineAnonymous

Hi Joshua, it's been a while but I have had some serious investigation into my problem. Blood, X-rays, etc. conclusion; Palindromic rheumatism.

As the word means it starts (with nothing) appears and then goes away again without lasting effect (until it comes back again). Yep I had never heard of it but although not recognized by many rhuematism organizations it is very real.

They say in some cases it can go away & in others it can develop into full blown rheumatism. Pictures on the web show exactly my symptoms.

Don't know in my case but treatment is simply painkillers/anti-inflammatories when it occurs. That can be every week/month or whenever.

I now have it around every 3 weeks in 3 joints one after another. I will have another consultation with the specialist in feb 2013.

Pretty cross about the dismissive way of treating it but at least I have an answer. Probably not your speciality but have you heard of it?

The dismissive way of being treated you've experienced comes from doctors having NO CLUE why you're having the symptoms you're having, and no idea what to do about it.

I obviously don't know exactly why you're experiencing, but I have a couple suggestions.

1. Read this whole thread and do what it says.2. Stop eating ALL gluten for 2 months and see what happens.3. Get your Vitamin D up to between 50-80 ng/ml.4. Read Magnesium For Tendonitis and do what it says on the Magnesium Dosage page.

The PRIMARY cause of auto-immune 'disease and rheumatoid arthritis is gluten intolerance. The 'Palindromic Rheumatism' diagnosis is no different.

Long story short, one way or another, you MUST stop all gluten intake.

I'm happy to talk more about that and point you in the right direction if you're interested.

Nov 22, 2012

That's correct, NO virus in the body.by: Maria

That's correct, NO virus in the body. BUT, this is a second opinion I am on, and they say the metal artifacts in my foot should not cause such reaction.

The physio i saw this week was able to tell me where my pain was in my right shoulder, knee and left wrist as he said it is just my tendons being affected. He says I also have Plantar Fasciitis.

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Joshua Comments:

Yes, you likely do have Plantar Fasciitis. Especially after the foot trauma and all the ongoing pain in the foot.

Doctors like the idea that left over metal in the foot from surgery 'shouldn't' cause you problems, but there's no reason to believe that they're correct.

1. There should be NO left over metal from a surgery in your foot.2. The body does not like foreign objects in it. 3. If they left metal in you, there's no reason to believe they didn't leave other things like germs etc.

Regardless, the body is going to respond with inflammation. Period.

If there's no virus, where did they get the 'post-viral' diagnosis from?

-

Let's say the new physio is correct, that it's -just- the tendons in shoulder etc being affected.

The question is...WHY are those tendons being affected.

Nov 23, 2012

Now we're on the same page, I think.by: Maria

Well, my point exactly. This is what has lead me to you and I live in hope that someone, somewhere will be able to tell me what the problem is and how I fix it because at the young age of 34, in the mornings especially, I walk like I am age 84 :-(

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Joshua Comments:

Hi Maria.

Ok.

1. So it's probably more trauma than it's worth to go in surgically to remove the bits of metal. I'm assuming they're tiny little things.

Having said that, I/we don't know how much of a problem they're causing, as far as ongoing pain and inflammation.

5. It would be worth it to go totally off of ALL gluten for 2 months. Gluten is systemically inflammatory, and the less of that your body has to deal with, the more energy it can put to other things.

Let's start with that. Let me know what happens.

Aside from the metal bits, you got a lot going on. Focus on the ice dipping and magnesium for a week or two, fill me in here on exactly what you did and exactly what happened, and we'll go from there.

Nov 23, 2012

...by: Maria

Will do. Thank you.

Dec 06, 2012

a ray of "Hope"by: Mike T.

Thank you everyone.

I'm now 51 , probably shorter than my original height of 6'4" at 340#I was a diesel mechanic uranium mines for 12 years.In 80's pain was in knees and wrists at the time and I had my knees scraped down because of cartilage problems.Since there's been a lot of back pain but it may have been an end cause of overweight and a couple of accidents.I do no exercises . I don't walk for health. I've never smoked or experimented with drugs, I practically don't drink and never have.

When I'm working on vehicles or anything that requires me to bend or twist my body I ache in varying degrees some days extreme and others days not so bad.I waddle as I walk as its the only way I can move myself.I went to Toronto clinic last month and was told:heart and Lungs as good as a 16 year old.Thyroid and pancreas as good as a 10 year old and no diabetes that part all most too good for and overweight man of 51. Everything in that area was good.They suggested the possibility of Fibromialgia.Obvious back problems but could not understand pain in my arms joints hands shoulders every muscle in my body.As an example while my wife is keying what I'm saying I'm a peeling potatoes with a peeler and one potatoe in my hand is okay while my arm rests on counter but if i lift this little potatoe the muscles in my forearm and shoulder arm ache unbelievably. I know this sounds ridiculous coming from a big man like me who lifts motors and hauls scrap and climbs up and down ladders for a living. I keep moving and the pain dulls out but its never really gone.In the morning my joints are aching my muscles and joints are stiff and achingit takes forever to get moving but I keep moving because I will stiffen up to much if I don't move yet, I'm not able to move well enough to try simple exercises.One Spec. said I might have ALS but needed one more test.I decided it was better not to know since few als persons have pain.

Last week i had emg to test electrical nerve impulses in my legs,all good.I was told it might be sciatic nerve damage and I'm waiting for an MRI .When sit down or walk or move a harsh almost electrical pain sometimes shoots from my back to my right or left leg It could be sciatic. I have extreme numbness in upper back and upper arms almost every day .After an MRI 2 years ago they said my spinal cord passage was being choked off.

3. I'm not at all a big fan of "I was told it might be sciatic nerve damage".

Maybe something is compressing your nerve, that's likely. But that's all a function of muscles and connective tissue being chronically too tight and compressing the joints etc.

'Damage' means there's damage. Putting your foot on a water hose isn't damaging the hose, at worst it reduces water flow.

So.

No Gluten. Good nutrition, and lots of it. Light stretching maybe some massage etc to reverse the tightness in your hips, low back, space on the sides between your ribs and hip bones.

More questions, more answers.

Dec 15, 2012

massive infamation all over my bodyby: Anonymous

Ok so, I'm 27 years old. Male. 4 months ago I decided to go on a whole foods plant based diet (no dairy, no meat, no eggs) after watching a couple documentary called "forks over knives" and "the Gearson method", and doing a little research online. So fruits, veggies, nuts, whole wheat breads and pastas. I have leaned to more of a vegan diet now because of the availability in my area but still the same ideas just some processed foods like tortilla chips and frozen juice bars. stuff like that. I didn't do this to lose weight yet I have went from 280 lbs to 249 lbs. I felt like a million bucks. I am sleeping a lot better. I have more energy throughout the day. I haven't had coffee since starting this new diet (I was easily drinking 1/2-3/4 a pot per day). I am 6'1' and I hold my weight very well. I work at a distribution center so I'm doing a lot of heavy lifting and standing for 3 hour increments before taking a break. I have been in this kind of work for 7 years and I have never had any problems with it. I have been making/drinking a smoothie everyday containing 1 apple, 1 banana, 5-6 frozen strawberries, 1/4 cup frozen blueberries, handful of fresh spinach, ground flax seed, and water. Very delicious. On top of this smoothie I was taking 1- one a day mens multi vitamin, 1 1000mg vitamin C tablet, and 1- super B-complex tablet. Ok so now the bad part... 11 days ago I woke up with terrible inflammation in my hips, legs, ankles, feet, and toes on both sides. After walking around for a while the pain seemed to lessen but anytime I sat down for a while it went right back to full pain.

The next day I woke up and it was in every joint from my neck to my toes. I could feel EVERY joint. Terrible debilitating pain. The stomach flu was going around my house and I got it the third day.

I had no joint pain at ALL. Even thought I was sick to my stomach I was doing laundry, the dishes, moping floors, the works. I had so much energy and felt better that I had the last two days. I just attributed my joint pain to the flu. The next morning when I woke up I had no stomach pain but my joint pain was back and was worse than before. I went to the ER and they did a series of blood test on me hoping something was imbalanced due to the flu. All tests came back great and they couldn't figure it out. They gave me Naproxen 250mg for inflammation. These gave me really bad side affects after the first day so I stopped taking them. So two days ago I forgot to take my vitamins but I had my smoothie. The next morning (yesterday) I felt about 80% better and into the afternoon. Then I took my vitamins after lunch. Within an hour the pain came back and by bed time I was in so much pain I could barely make it up the stairs. I woke up this morning with about 70% pain and I have decided to fast today without my vitamins to see if it makes a difference. Does this sound crazy to you?

Dec 16, 2012

Joshua Comments - lost 50 pounds and all over joint pain - Tenosynovitis and Tendonitis in multiple joints, what can cause this?by: The Tendonitis Expert

The weight loss and feeling better makes a lot of sense. Having said that, it may or may not be a good diet for you long term, though it sounds like it and stopping the coffee helped your adrenal glands.

So. Possibilities:

1. You're gluten intolerant, and the breads etc you're eating are causing your inflammation. This is the most likely option.

A little inflammation or a lot, gluten does that.

2. Environmental toxins at the work place. Not likely.

3. Something bad in one or more of the supplements you're taking. Not likely, but possible.

4. Magnesium insufficiency and physical work catching up to you. Also VERY likely, and can go hand in hand with #1.

5. Along those lines, some/many dark leafy greens have anti-nutrients, basically meaning that they need to be cooked at least a little bit or you don't get the nutrition from them. THus you're left nutritionally deficient, etc.

6. Nightshades. Some people have a genetic disposition to arthritis symptoms from nightshades like tomatoes.

7. Got bit by a tick?

8. It's possible that all the fat loss released toxins held in the fat (it did do that) and you're feeling the side effects of toxicity in your body. That's certainly possible.

If you got the flu before the joint pain, that would be a slight change in the conversation, but not much.

Dec 19, 2012

"Trace" of Tenosynovitisby: SP

Hi, I had an MRI a while ago which confirmed a "trace of Tenosynovitis" in my posterior tibialis.

I have had a history of chronic ankle sprains and rolls. This problem has slowly developed, however I cannot get rid of it. I have rested from activity (skateboarding) for many weeks.

I have now changed my diet. I am drinking protein shakes almost everyday, taking vitamin D 5,000 IU of D3 per day for two weeks and omega 3. I did notice most of the inflammation decreasing with rest but as soon as I returned to skateboarding it came back. I have always had a relatively healthy diet, heaps of fruit and vegetables. Low carbs. I recently cut out all starches, and most gluten foods. This has only been for the past two weeks, though. As of today I am going to take cissus and bromelain.

Is rest critical for this injury to heal? Will it ever heal? I'm hoping it's just a case of not enough rest and diet. However I've been doing aligning exercises and other strengthening exercises.

Right now I've rested it for a week, I can see a red line where my tendon is. I don't think it's ever been like this. When I touch it I can feel knots. It's probably ruptured...

I appreciate you reading this and any advice you may have.

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Joshua Comments:

Hi SP.

If you have a history of rolls and sprains, then you have an electrical disturbance now such that the muscles can't fire optimally and thus aren't absorbing force...and all that force has to go somewhere. That's how tears happen. See the The ARPwave System page.

If you had an MRI and they ruled out a tear, then you need to read this Tenosynovitis page.

Tenosynovitis means that the tendon and tendon sheath is VERY inflammaed and easy to aggravate. And painful.

Also, Rest has very little to nothing to do with healing (other than good sleep, as that's the only time you physiologically regenerate).

So start with that, and we'll go from there.

Mar 12, 2013

Can all over tendonitis symptoms happen all at once?by: Heathereen Baun

I'm a 37 year old teacher. I was an athlete in high school and needed to stop after having reconstructive surgery on both ankles. I wear orthotics and am currently overweight. I started getting bursitis symptoms in my hip last week that were very painful, within a day or two I had extreme tendonitis pain in my ankles, knees, achilles tendon, shoulder and elbows.

I am in agony. I had an elevated ana rate about a year ago on a blood test but never did a follow up. I'm hobbling to work and haven't had time to go to the dr. Any homeopathic relief suggestions?

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Joshua Comments:

Can all over tendonitis symptoms happen all at once?

The answer to that question, is, yes. Symptoms of Tendonitis can show up 'out of the blue', or show up one day and in a very short span of time get increasingly worse.

The tendonitis dynamic was already at play. And then you have to factor in the Pain Causing Dynamic.

When a Downward Spiral picks up speed, everything gets worse, which makes everything else get worse which makes everything else get worse, etc.

You broke bones/had surgery. Compensation patterns developed. You put some weight on, which is a big clue about your diet.

This is AMAZING information - I can't believe it. I have a very old diagnosis of fibromyalgia but figured it was hogwash and activity would resolve everything, however.....I have had injuries and/or tendonitis in nearly every joint. Actually I was searching online regarding having tendonitis in so many joints.

Anyhow, I've tried running for several years only to have one thing after another crop up - ankle injury, torn tendons, tendonitis, knee issues, major calf tightness/pain (I tend to keep tight muscles), shin issues, hamstring (currently a 2nd round on ischial tuberosity flare/pain) and for the first time ever heel issues. Non running related are carpal tunnel/wrist pain, some hand/thumb pain, elbow, shoulder.

I have allergies, have endured numerous antibiotics and upper respiratory infections over past few years since relocating to area I currently live in. Yes, have taken the levaquin and cipro drugs.

I've experimented with dietary changes as I do believe diet can influence how our body works and how we feel - (eliminating sugar for example, trying to eat primarily non-processed and who knows what else) and regularly take magnesium and vit D (due to deficiency), as well as B vitamins, etc.

This is all very depressing for me and I don't know what else to consider. I am tired of the pain interfering with what I want to do and I want to be active, lose weight and enjoy activity. (I love to be outdoors, running, hiking, cycling, kayaking - however my body, joints and allergies don't agree).

I had been thinking of trying a vegetarian diet but notice you don't seem to recommend that. Do you have any suggestions?

Fluoroquinolones like Levaquin and Cipro cause, among other problems, nutritional issue.

The contents of the ebook will show you how to deal with that, and we provide support on the forum that comes with it.

Until you deal with the nutritional, system aspects of what your body is operating under, there really isn't anything that is going to work for the more physical aspects.

I'm not necessarily against vegan/vegetarian diets, but it is my belief that a food-only diet (one that is lacking in therapeutic supplementation) does not have the ability to bring a body that is significantly lacking nutrition back from the brink. Not quickly, anyway.

And in Levaquin/Cipro context, food just can't give enough of what the body needs to recover.

Jun 25, 2013

Am I a hypochondriac?by: Ashleigh

A few days ago I was diagnosed with tenosynovitis in my right hand. Doctor gave me a splint to wear for a few days and some antiinflammatories. Needless to say, the day after seeing the doctor, the pain has moved to my left wrist, and my left foot as well.(possibly my left knee, but that could be from running).. almost on the side by my ankle bone?

I have a one year old child and the doctor told me to limit use of my right hand until it was gone which was doable until it's in both wrists. We live on a military base and they have a way of belittling your symptoms and my husband also doesn't think I'm in as much pain as I am. Is it possible to have all of these?I walk or run at least 2 miles a day.. walking more so recently due to the pain. Thank you so much!!!!

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Joshua Comments:

Hi Ashleigh.

You may be a hypochondriac, I don't know.

Are you?

But I'd put my money on that your symptoms are primarily due to nutritional insufficiency.

You run (uses up nutrition), you were recently pregnant (leeches nutrition from you), poor sleep the last year (because babies are like that), stressed the last year (uses up nutrition), etc.

1. Get your vitamin D level checked. Then tell me what it is.

2. See the Magnesium For Tendonitis page.

3. Read this thread and follow the links from it (and read those pages)

Magnesium is a HUGE player in muscle function, and in the ability to (literally) deal with stress.

That's not all, but start there.

Jul 14, 2013

Multiple Tendonitis from Botox Reactionby: Anonymous

Hi Joshua,

You have no idea how happy I am to have found this page!

I received a Botox injection in January. The doctor hit a blood vessel and injected a high volume (50 cc's!) - I had every symptom of Botox poisoning (trouble breathing, numbness, itching and welts all over my legs, chest and face.

Another symptom was that I could not straighten my elbow. Then my jaw got tight. Then my Achilles. Then Plantar Facisitis etc etc. All on my left side.

It has been 6 mos and I am very nervous that this may be permanent. I already have a super clean diet, adequate Vit D etc etc etc.

Any advise will be so appreciated! Doctors are so ignorant when it comes to health - it is quite scary.

Thank you!!!Alanna

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Joshua Comments:

Hi Alanna.

Hopefully all those symptoms are reversible and the botox toxicity didn't do any permanent damage.

1. Define/describe 'clean diet'

2. What's your Vitamin D level? How much do you take?

3. What did your doctor say about any of this?

4. Define/describe 'etc, etc, etc'.

Nov 02, 2013

Thank you for helpingby: Vashti

I have had pain for a majority of my life in various joints(40 now). I mainly attributed pain to over doing my workouts when I was younger and not doing workouts as I became older. I am over weight for my 5' 5" frame now as my workouts have been stopped due to pain.

I was officially diagnosed with tendonitis last year in my right knee. It has spread to my left knee and both hips as well as my lower back. Pain comes and goes in my right shoulder and have had intermitten pain in thumbs as well for years. Doctor was not any help with diagnosis and therefore I haven't been back as there is nothing he can do (his words) other than treat symptoms... My mother has had serious tendon issues to the point of surgery and ruptures in her shoulder tendons as well as her foot (her foot healed wrong and is malformed now). I started reading from top of postings and noted you asked if someone had ever had levoquin and cipro. I have taken both of these medications in the past. What is the significance of that? I will be buying some magnesium supplement tomorrow.

Thank you for your time.

Vashti in Texas.

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Joshua Comments:

Hi Vashti.

1. How much gluten do you eat?

2. How much sugar?

3. WHen did you take Levaquin/cipro?

4. How's your digestion?

5. Healthy history. Why the antibiotics?

6. Absolutely yes on the Magnesium. My first thought from what you've said is 'nutriton is the culprit'. That can be too much of bad nutrition/foods or not enough of good nutrition.

Apr 04, 2014

Intersting site, painful wrists and inflammation after tattooby: Kris

So, I'm going to browse on here for a bit and hopefully try a few things...Here's my story if anyone is interested:

In 2010 I noticed some swelling on the back of my wrists. Coincidentally, a tattoo (one of many I have) was just completed and got infected pretty badly. Visits to PCP and rheumy's show nothing in the blood -- docs checked for typical tattoo contracted diseases too. One rheumy said ganglion ON BOTH WRISTS from one day to the next. The other has ran every autoimmune test known with no abnormalities.

Swelling began increasing in my fingers and toes, ankles and knee pain followed. The fingers were so bad on my right hand, I had a carpal tunnel release in 2010. Since then, I've stuck with a single rheumy.

As a 6' tall 225 male with tattoo's at 35, I feel horrible for not being able to move my hands much or grip as well as I should. The rheumy I've been seeing for about 3 years has tried MTX, azulfadine, Enbrel, Humira, etodolac, tolmetin, diclenofac, and the list goes on -- with NO dent in the swelling or pain.

I purchased a juicer in December 13 and magically, I began juicing everything green I saw! Coupling some pineapple too for the bromelain and grapes as well, I was able to grip! I competed in two BJJ tournaments and I thought life was great. UNTIL March 14. The beginning of March was a downward spiral back to square one.

Right hand, my palm is so swollen. I can't close my hands. Rheumy has no idea what to do as his official diagnosis of "seronegative rheumatoid arthritis" seems debunked since I have system swelling EVERYWHERE with no elevated ESR, CRP, etc.

I've been told to revisit my hand ortho to look at surgery again. I've stopped training BJJ for a bit now, continue juicing religiously, yet nothing is budging. I don't know if I'll get help here or anywhere else but I feel like garbage and figured I'd share.

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Joshua Comments:

Hi Kris.

Did anything happen on or close to march 14th that could be responsible for your body doing that again?

1. I wonder if your body responded to any heavy metals in the tattoo ink. How big a tattoo did you get (how much ink)?

2. How much gluten do you eat?

3. How much processed cooking oils do you eat?

4. How much sugar do you eat? (processed, not counting juicing).

5. Say more about the inflammation/swelling. Did you say 'everywhere'? Or jsut around wrists? Say more.

Might be worth looking into a heavy metals/toxicity test. Or not, maybe your body just didn't like that tattoo ink and now you're 'allergic' to it. (I think that was your first tattoo, yes?)

Answer the above, and we'll go from there.

Apr 06, 2014

More goodiesby: Kris

Hi Joshua,

Thank you for the reply -- I should've been clearer in my initial post but my hands were hurting...So here goes:

~April 2010: 3" X 3" tattoo on my calf in brown, black, yellow, and white. Infected a couple of days later. Color weeped out and scabbed over nasty.

~April 2010: I began noticing the backs of my wrists were swollen. Range of motion was limited and pain was experienced if I tried to pass that.

~April 2010: Began seeing a new rheumy. Tested for gout, lupus, RA, HLA-B27, SED, CRP, comp met, CBC/diff, etc. All normal. HIV and Hep C was tossed in there for good measure due to tattoo.

I saw her for a couple of months and MTX was tried along with standard NSAIDs. Nothing.

~June 2010: Sports medicine doc performed nerve conduction test concluded it was CTS. CT release was done and rheumy said it was only CTS due to inflammation -- I need to control inflammation. She referred me to another rheumy with more experience.

~August 2010: New rheumy suggests seronegative RA with the barrage of tests coming back normal. MTX and azulfadine was prescribed with nothing remarkable coming from it.

~January 2011: Suggests Enbrel. I hesitate due to cancer, etc. Finally gave in with mild relief for ~month.

Lastly, this has been my umpteenth tattoo. I've been getting tattoos since 18 and I'm 35.

Thanks again for the reply!

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Joshua Comments:

If you have a LOT of tattoo, then potentially your body finally had too much of the influx of foreign materials into your system.

1. Heavy metals or other contaminants. Lifted from Wikipedia: "Professional inks may be made from iron oxides (rust), metal salts, plastics.[6] Homemade or traditional tattoo inks may be made from pen ink, soot, dirt, blood, or other ingredients.[3][7]

Tattoo ink manufacturers typically blend the heavy metal pigments and/or use lightening agents (such as lead or titanium) to reduce production costs.[7]"

So again, if you have A LOT of tattoo, then you ongoingly added new heavy metals into your body, the body does the best it can as long as it can, but every body has a 'threshhold' that once it goes over, it's bad news.

I'm not saying heavy metals is your problem, I'm just looking at the clues. Do some investigation into heavy metals detox (milk thistle, cilantro, etc).

2. You are having a systemic problem, meaning, symptoms are showing up all over. It's not a local thing (like a ganglion cyst causing problems), it's something systemic.

The body's response to 'heavy metal poisoning' is systemic.

The body's response to gluten is local (the gut, see Kerri's Leaky Gut page), and systemic as the inflammatory response grows.

I would cut out ALL gluten, all processed vegetable cooking oils, as much sugar as possible. All those are inflammatory, and you want to limit anything causing inflammation.

Your body is overwhelmed right now.

3. Did you ever take Cipro (Anthrax vaccine)in the military? Or any other vaccination or antibiotic?

4. From what you said, you need to add fat to your diet. Organic pastured sources of butter, eggs, avacado, coconut oil and coconut butter, animal fat. Fat is necessary for every cell and function in your body, and healing to the gut (and everything else).

5. How's your digestion? Any gut issues?

Apr 09, 2014

Kris' inflammation part trois!by: Kris

Joshua,

Thank you for the advice. As a matter of fact, I began pulling articles from the Web and trying a heavy metal detox now consisting of chlorella and milk thistle.

As for the vaccines, I've had the normal run of the mill ones (tetanus, Hep A, B, MMR) but I've declined Anthrax although I have taken Cipro on a few times due to respiratory infections. This is interesting because I was wondering if it could be a type of infectious arthritis as it seems at relatively tame when I was taking the Doxycycline and transitioned back home and began taking Cat's Claw.

I do need to try to get some fat in. I do cook in coconut oil for what it's worth. Usually when I bake fish or make eggs, etc, I toss a dollop of coconut oil in as my anti-stick. However, I will try the gluten issue. My gut seems fine though. I'm fairly regular, almost to the minute daily. All of the waste looks like it should -- never anything concerning. However, I will take your advice.

I'm leaning on a 2 week juice cleanse then full vegan for another 3 weeks as a coworker who's 50 has had all kinds of miracles happen from that process.

Lastly, I love the medical care with my expensive PPO where the sports med doc yesterday couldn't relieve the pressure or pain in my hand as he wants to wait and do a nerve conduction test -- then an internist said "I'm an internal medicine doctor...I can't help you". I really try to deal with the pain but I've been rating it a 7 lately because everyone seems to think I'm fine just because I'm alive and breathing.

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Joshua Comments:

Yeah, there's not a lot of nice things to say about 'medical care' for tendonitis related symptoms, joint pain/ache, etc.

There's no such thing as 'infectious arthritis', depending on what you mean by that. One can have various infections and get joint pain etc, of course.

Re: Gluten, guts don't have to be affected. Gluten doesn't affect my digestion at all (that I know of), but too much (like the two pieces of pizza yesterday) gives me a sore throat and lung symptoms (bronchitis). So I DEFINITELY manage how much gluten I eat (none for the past two weeks but those two pieces of pizza). One piece would probably have been fine/would have not have given me any symtptoms.

Point being, gluten in an inflammatory agent, and may very likely be contributing to your symptoms in any of a variety of ways.

Definitely hit up the Magnesium, as Cipro depletes magnesium.

See the 'Magnesium For Tendonitis' link farther down in this thread.

Apr 19, 2014

Follow up from Krisby: Kris

Thanks Joshua for taking the time to reply.

I went to my 5th (I think) rheumatologist here in Miami beach at Mount Sinai. He was recommended by a doc my wife knows who is the medical correspondent at her job (she's in news). Lo and behold he tells me he doesn't think it's rheumatologic. Instead he says, possibly allergy, as you've mentioned.

He gave me a story of a patient he had with similar symptoms. After years of prednisone treatment failed to work, he considered referring him to an allergist/immunologist. Turns out he was allergic to something wacky like a double chain super duper peptide -- it was weird what he said! Apparently the dude is better!

I've got my referral to see this doc in a week so I'll be sure to post back what he says!

Thanks again for all of the help!

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Joshua Comments:

Great.

Keep us posted!

May 24, 2014

Vegan and in good healthby: Anonymous

Wow, so sad that you think/generalize that vegetarians don't get enough good fats and protein. I eat 2 tbsp of coconut oil and my proteins levels might be low by your standards, but that's because I don't believe it should be the macronutrient with the highest daily petcentage. I actually think fats should be. And for the record, there are many, many good sources of vegetarian/vegan protein. As a nutritionist, i'm pretty happy with my macronutrient brakdown thanks!

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Joshua Comments:

Hi AnonymousVegan.

If you're happy, I'm happy.

However, if a person is not happy and/or their body operation is not optimal, and they describe to me their diet which appears to be too low in good fat and/or protein, then I make statements like "you're not getting enough good fat/protein", regardless of their chosen diet type.

And while you may be sad that I generalize about vegans/vegetarians not getting enough good fat/protein, are you really going to make the generalization that vegans/vegetarians DO all get enough good fat/protein?

If so, I'm happy to point you to a large body of veganism/vegetarianism that's all about LOW fat. And tons of vegans/vegetarians who eat nothing but vegetarian junk food and think they're healthy, tons of unhealthy vegetarians/vegans, etc.

No need to get even more sad though, as I go after unhealthy meat eaters too if they aren't healthy and want to become healthy.

It's all about making adjustments so the body can work better/get back to health.

Jun 15, 2014

Swollen ankle and painful heel after trip to Indiaby: Amrat

I suffered painful foot and swelling redness and warm to touch. The began at the top of the foot and then moved to the ankle after couple of days. I had just returned from India after 3 months stay. I'm a vegetarian and eat spinach, aubergine cauliflower and other vegetable which I ate a lot of when in India.

The pain was persisting with the swelling and could not walk much or climb stairs without difficulty. I went to the doctors after 3 weeks who diagnosed as Gout. I was prescribed Allupurinol 100mg once a day and anti inflammatory pain killers i. e Naprosyn. After a week the pain did not subside and swelling was still there. I stopped the Allupurinol after I spoke with doctor. The pain subsided after a few days and swelling went down.

The pain sometimes comes back with slight swelling but then goes.

I am nearly 62 years old male, my life style is recently sedentary but was active in India walking about 2km everyday at least. My weight is 81kgs and my height is 5feet 8inches. I have been retired for about 1 1/2 years.

I have a diagnosis of Hypertropic Cardiomyopathy and have had Myectomy and Mitral valve repair in 2009.i have been prescribed Viazem 240mg once a day and Asprin 75mg once a day. Since my heart surgery I have had feet swelling on and off. I have Aldo have had pain in the toe about twice before with swelling but goes after a couple of days.

In 1981 after visiting India I had Dysentry and was diagnosed wit Reiters Syndrome after suffering from swollen knee and was admitted in hospital and fluid extracted from the joint.

From time to time I do have sticky eyes and a stiff back and constipation as if it's start of flu but after taking paracetamol it goes after a few hours. Well I hope this information is helpful to form an opinion.

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Joshua Comments:

Hi Amrat.

I can't say much about the heart issue other than you might want to supplement with Magnesium as that's a huge factor in heart health.

If you took a trip to India and then got various multi-joint tendonitis and/or arthritis and/or inflammation issues, you should definitely get some good parasite testing, and an 'h pylori' test.

Maybe it's from previous lifestyle issues affecting your health, maybe it's a function of the nutritional insufficiency caused by various pharmaceuticals, but if you have a bug in there that's causing the inflammation, you'll want to get that taken care of.

Both scenarios are outside my realm of expertise and I'd talk to Kerri about that. Going to India and then getting what you describe (assuming you never had any of that before) definitely points to parasite and/or bacterial infection.

Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics and Corticosteroids together for throat infection, should NOT be prescribed together.by: Wade

You may find the following article interesting. I have been experiencing an onset of mild pain in all the tendonitis areas. I haven't been to the doctor about it yet.

In my online research I came across your website yesterday which made some sense, but also came across this wikipedia article which I'm sure will be of particular interest to you:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quinolone

It appears that a combination of antibiotics (in this case Fluoroquinolones) with cortisone can cause tendonitis. This is exactly what the doctor gave me when I had a bad throat infection that refused to go away with the first antibiotic treatment, and then the doctor put me on a stronger antibiotic combined with cortisone. Now I have general tendonitis. Lovely.

All the best, I'm going to go the health vitamin route and hope it all goes away in the next few weeks.

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Joshua Comments:

Hi Wade.

Yep. Fluoroquinolones and corticosteroids are research proven to be a bad idea.

And yet, doctors across the nation continue to prescribe them together.

And they say that western medicine is 'science based medicine'.

Yeah....right.

Was your throat infection viral, bacterial, or fungal?

Thanks for sharing. Keep us updated on your progress.

Aug 12, 2014

At least I'm not alone....by: Anonymous

I'm a 49 year old overweight female (am in too much pain to do any type of exercise) and have a 10+ year history of tendinitis (both achilles tendons are effectively shredded & hanging by a thread & my right biceps was so bad it had to be surgically reattached a few years ago), tennis elbow, multiple joint pain (fingers, wrists, knees, ankles, jaw, you name it - it can pop up anywhere from day to day), lower back pain, neck pain, and recently I've felt my left biceps tendon starting to tear.

I've been to numerous doctors & none have an explanation. All tell me to "get more exercise" which is physically impossible at this point & start throwing pain pills and steroids at me...

I'm miserable, I can't do the things I once enjoyed, and I'm desperate to find an answer...

I'm allergic to eggs & suspect that I may have problems digesting milk. My vitamin D levels are slightly low & I take a supplement for them.

2. Have you ever taken a fluoroquinolone antibiotic like Cipro or Levaquin or Levofloxacin or Avelox?

3. Bodies don't just fall apart like that for no reason. I'd look at nutritional insufficiency/deficiency and chronic systemic inflammation.

4. If one can't exercise, then to drop weight one must utilize food to interact with the body in such a way that one burns and/or lets go of fat.

In short, part of that strategy looks like dropping all inflammatory foods including but not limited to breads, pastas, vegetable cooking oils, sugary drinks and foods (sugar), most processed foods, pasturized factory farmed milk, and anything you're 'allergic' to like eggs.

Anything inflammatory causes gut issues, which causes systemic inflammation (which causes the body to hold/store/grow fat) and decreased nutritional absorbtion due to damage to the gut.

Hi Joshua. I have tendonitis in my shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees and ankles. My right arm & shoulder are killing me, and it has all gotten worse in the past year. The pain ebs and flows but doesn't go away.

When the pain is bad I hear a lot of popping in my joints. I can loosen up and work out but I pay the price later.

This started 6 years ago when I trained really hard for a year, I am 42. I have lifted and trained most of my life.

I have been prescribed a vitamin d supplement in the past. Up until recently I drank a ton of beer, and it seemed like it made things worse. I eat a lot of processed foods and dairy, I love milk.

Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated. I am very curious about all the popping sounds I hear, which are new. Thanks!

1. The bad news is, prescription Vit D (which is D2) is research proven to be useless. It raises levels but confers little/no results.

2. What was your vitamin D level when you got prescribed? It's important. If you don't know, call the doc's office and find out.

3. Symptoms of Vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency include but are not limited to pain, muscle pain, random pain, and symptoms that mimic tendonitis symptoms.

Also, being a hormone that's basically at the base of your body operation, it can cause a whole host of symptoms and issues, including diabetes, hormonal imbalance and that downward spiral of function, neurological issues and neurological 'disease', etc.

So we definitely want to get your Vit D level up ASAP. It's cheap and easy.

It may or may not have a little or a lot to do with your multiple location tendonitis issues, but it's a must to deal with.

Let me know what your level was (because it's assuredly still that low).

2. Popping is from joints compressed by too-tight muscle and connective tissue.

Nutritional deficiencies aren't responsible for everything. Therefore insisting on nutrients is pointless. There is, for example, femoro-acetabular impingement - not caused by "lack of Vitamin D" or anything else, and which can't be treated by rubbing magnesium on one's feet. It requires arthroscopy. Arthroscopy is expensive. Most people don't have the money for it, so most often, they're "prescribed" so-called conservative treatments which just waste time and lead to complications, when a fifteen-minute procedure would solve the real problem.

All these people who come on here with mechanical problems are not served by being told to invest usually expensive supplements and the like. Their problems won't go away, and might even worsen - because their problems usually do not originate in nutritional deficiency. The real problem is that people just don't have the money to find a doctor who will take fifteen minutes outside of their workday to think about - and maybe solve - their problem, then address it.

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Joshua Comments:

1. "Nutritional deficiencies aren't responsible for everything.'

Nobody here is claiming that they are responsible for everything.

2. "Therefore insisting on nutrients is pointless. "

That's an absurd claim. Try going without nutrients for a week and see how well your body does.

3. "All these people who come on here with mechanical problems are not served by being told to invest usually expensive supplements and the like."

That's an absurd claim. Additionally, nutritional supplementation is cheap. As you stated, arthroscopy is expensive.

Aug 27, 2014

migratory tendonitis from shoulder to kneeby: sarah

The pain started since 2 weeks in my right shoulder ( sudden onset) it stayed for 3-4 days...then resolved...then it appeared in my wrist for 1 day then in my popliteal fossa and today in my right knee...all this in 2 weeks only..... TENDONITIS NOT joint pain....what could be the cause?

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Joshua Comments:

Hi Sarah.

From what you said, I'd go with nutritional insufficiency and/or systemic inflammation.

Read that, then get back to me with thoughts/questions/history of symptoms.

Sep 01, 2014

Sudden Onset of Tendonitis and Fatigueby: jon

Thanks in advance for your help. I began testing (MRIs, which have turned up nothing serious, still awaiting a bone scan) and PT for chronic back pain back in April.

In June I was hit with a week of serious fatigue (flu-like but no fever or other symptoms). This lead to intense pain in the wrists (ulnar side), elbows, shoulder, upper thighs, knees and ankles which I originally thought was in my joints due to the increase in popping sounds.

There was also a burning/tingling sensation(but not numbness) in my upper body and arms. As things have settled down a bit it's become apparent that the pain is coming from the tendons and not the joints.

Also, the pain may vary in severity but is pretty much constant. The fatigue in my thighs got to the point where I had to take time off from work.

I was convinced I had Lymes or another auto-immune but all blood work thus far, including Lymes and rheumatoid factor, has been good. Also had an EMG which was normal.

I am 43, exercise regularly, and while I have improved my diet the past few years it's still not where it should be. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

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Joshua Comments:

Hi Jon.

Well, symptoms like you describe don't just come from nowhere.

That thing in June sounds like some kind of infection.

But I look at the nutritional angle first, most often.

Any kind of stress, including sickness, eats up various nutrients specifically Magnesium.

1. What is your Vitamin D level? If you don't know, find out ASAP.

2. Do you supplement nutritionally at all? If so, with what?

3. Go 100% off all wheat/gluten and cut the sugar until this clears up.

Back pain may or may not be related. Back pain is caused by chronic tightness. Gotta deal with that.

Sep 18, 2014

Joint pain and popping after sedond Ciprofloxicin pillby: Anonymous

I was prescribed the antibiotic ciprofloxican and after the second pill I woke up to my joints hurting as well as my joints popping. I didn't have any problems with my joints until after taking cipro.

Been to a rheumatologist and he said it wasn't RA. Then I went to another rheumatologist and he says likely RA. I really don't believe so.

I've read other sites were people stated that after taking cipro they had symptoms that mimicked RA symptoms. Other sites stated that some people were misdiagnosed with RA after taking cipro. Any thoughts or suggestions?

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Joshua Comments:

Well, the hospital medicine industry isn't keen on admitting that drugs they administer on a daily basis could possibly harm someone...even though Cipro has a black label warning required by the FDA.

And if the heavily pro-FDA says a popular antibiotic is potentially dangerous.....it makes one wonder why doctors generally pretend like it's a perfectly safe drug.

And yes, doctors commonly misdiagnoses all sorts of issues.

I can't help you much with the diagnosis aspect. And one could make the case that having a 'correct' diagnosis isn't much help to you anyway.

Effective care to counter the effects of the Cipro is. (And really, as far as I've seen, hospital medicine really just doesn't have anything to fix or cure cipro tendonitis...when they even admit that it's a thing.)

Fluoroquinolones, among other actions, strip the body of magnesium. Let's hope your pain symptoms are just from that, and that supplementing with adequate magnesium will drop the symptoms mostly or completely.

Sep 21, 2014

Severe all over tendonitis, hands/wrist, lumps, by: Anonymous

Hi

I'm a 32yr old female, sightly overweight but healthy other than the tendonitis all over my body. I eat healthy, not many sweets pass my lips as I want to lose a little more weight. I also don't drink or eat much dairy...I don't like it much.

For the last 2 1/2 years I've been suffering from pain in various joints, starting in my right wrist. I was told it was tendonitis and to rest for a week off work. It kept getting worse and eventually I lost the use of my right hand, wrist and fingers due to pain.(with it went my job) The lumps in my hand are weird...jell-o like, although they don't really hurt to touch they cause pain when I move my hand/wrist. I also lost all up/down movement in my wrist unless my hand is flat, and even then it has restricted movement and pain.

Eventually it traveled to my left hand (I am right handed), which i thought was weird because I was off work and hadn't injured myself. Both my knees, my shoulders, and my right foot have joined in since this started, and I wake up at night due to the pain, or the pain just moving in my sleep causes. Lumps go with the pain, some bigger than others. (I also have had shin splints since I was 12.)

Doctors started to be concerned about Rheumatoid Arthritis, (it is on both sides of my family) so I now see a Rheumatologist who tested me, but my rheumatoid factor was negative. He is still concerned about it and is ordering a test that will detect it earlier than the blood test would...ultrasound looking for something specific in my hands. he has prescribed me anti-inflammatory pills, but they have yet to have any effect on me.

I'm looking for an opinion from somebody outside the situation....If you want more info, just ask and I will try to answer promptly.

Have you ever taken a fluoroquinolone antibiotic like Levaquin, Avelox, Cipro, Ciprofloxacin, Levofloxacin, etc?

Did the doctor identify the lumps? Probably they're Lipomas, but it would be REALLY weird if you have actual lumps and your doctor didn't do/say anything about them.

How much gluten/wheat/grains do you eat?

Sep 28, 2014

Fluoroquinolones long term effects?by: Lucius

Been suffering from tendonitis in several parts of my body + in lower back pain (herniated discs found) for about 4 years now.

I've lived in Asia for 5 years and have had a lot of intestinal issues there, I've been prescribed and have taken every Fluoroquinolone out there several times, mainly Cipro. I would estimate I've done about 15, 5 day runs on them. I moved back to europe 5 years ago. 4 years ago, I got a urinary tract infection, whilst on holiday, doctor prescribed cipro for 10 days. At my last day I was taking it, I tore a tendon in my forearm, whilst rockclimbing, but I wasn't doing anything particularly straining for what my fitness level at the time was, which resulted in tennis elbow. Took 4 months to heal, which I think is pretty good.

Then the weirdness started, all of a sudden I got severe lower back pain, started cycling to keep it a bit loose and had a bit of an ache in my left elbow (the one that was hurt before) but this time on the inside, I started resting, but it got worse, fysiotherapy, made it even worse, in the end it turned out my tendonitis was pretty much gone, but had periostitis, there was even some damage to the bone. This took 1-1/2 years, then I got a cortisone shot and 2 weeks later it was gone, hasn't bothered me much since, but area remains stiff and symptoms return when I try to stretch.

Shortly after that I got some pain in the back of my elbow, tricep tendonitis.. 2 weeks later my right elbow starts acting up as well, although unlike the left one it's manageble and at the same time my patellar tendon, has started aching whenever, I've recently had an echo done and there's calcification in all the tendons that are currently bothering me. I've been told this is an effect and not a cause, but nobody really has an explanation for what's going on. Have seen a dozen doctors and physio's by now.

Could this be related tome taking so many Fluoroquinolones in the past?

----

Joshua Comments:

The answer to your question, is ABSOLUTELY yes.

What did they mean, 'an effect not a cause'?

Fluoroquinolones massively deplete the body of magnesium. When the body is short on magnesium it expresses calcium. Thus, the calcification.

It's unfortunate that dozens of doctors you've seen are clueless about flouroquinolones and Cipro. I don't know about Europe, but in the US Levaquin and Cipro and it's siblings are prescribed like candy. There's a black box warning label on them. And the vast majority of doctors are still clueless and believe that the drugs they prescribe couldn't possibly cause such severe side effects.

I wouldn't leave 'getting better' to time and hope. Fluoroquinolone side effets are a big deal, and if you want to get better you would be well advised to do everything you can to help your body go in the 'better' direction.

Im 32 years old female,which used to be healthy! June2014 I was prescribed ciprofloxacin (1000mg/day) for 5 days which didn’t help me and i ended up in emergency room and taking 14 days of Suprax. (I had used cipro at least 2 times before).

About 1 months later(july) I started developing pain my right knee-right arm then left knee and left arm and both feet. Xray shows effusion on my right knee. On august I started having wrist pain and hand joint pain. September diagnosed with hand and feet tendinitis. Now we are in October and I'm diagnosed with elbow tendinitis.

My rheumatologist told me she doesn’t believe it is due to Cipro and she thinks it might be the early stage of Rheumatoid arthritis although no test no ultrasound showed anything. she said multiple tendinitis can be RA.

Im exteremly devastated since Im losing my capability of work due to pain in both hands and elbows. any suggestion?

I FEEL HELPLESS.

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Joshua Comments:

Hi Sarah.

I'm sorry to hear that happened to you. It's life changing, and no fun.

So, I'm not a doctor and I'm not diagnosing you. And I'm just going off what you've said.

So....

Unfortunately, the hospital community has little to no understanding that the super powerful class of antibiotics (fluoroquinolones) can and does cause all sorts of problems exactly like you are experiencing.

For instance, how could a rheumatologist consider your host of symptoms to be 'early stage' of rheumatoid arthritis? That's more 'full blown' RA. (But even then, RA doesn't behave like you've described, that rheumatologist should know better...but they kinda just are clueless about fluroroquinolones.)

Unfortunately, the rheumatologist is one of those people unaware of the ramifications of the FDA required Black Label Warning on the drug you've taken multiple times. That causes joint pain/problem, tendonitis pain, tendon injury, anxiety, depression, brain fog, etc.

Ask him/her WHY s/he doesn't think it's from the Cipro.

One of the major mechanisms of Cipro is that it strips the body of Magnesium. All the symptoms I just listed are symptoms of magnesium insufficiency/deficiency, btw.

Without enough magnesium muscles (and various other systems) don't work right, which makes joints hurt, which all causes pain, which increases inflammation response (basically), etc. It's a downward spiral, and you body can't recover unless it's given the nutrition it needs to help it do what it needs to do.

It's a big more complicated than that, of course, but that's the truth of it. By default without doing anything to help it, some people get better in a year or less, the rest don't.

It just all depends on a lot of factors. And, the worse the symptoms are, the less likely those symptoms are to just 'go away' if you wait it out.

I would not wait it out. I would get The Levaquin Tendonitis Solution ebook, read it, get to work on what it says to do, and get on the free forums we run for people working with the ebook.

I could tell you to take a bunch of magnesium, and that might do the trick (for some people it's all they need [plus some time for the body to recover]. But if it were me I would get right to work doing the right things to give the body a chance to recover.

Fluoroquinolone side effects are serious business. You had taken Cipro previously which helped set you up for side effects from taking it this time. And needing antibiotics in the first place, depending on the cause, is a clue that your body wasn't fuctioning (and thus short on necessary nutrition) right in the first place.

It's time to give your body what it needs so you can push it back towards health.

Oct 28, 2014

Ehlers-Danlos diagnosis after 20 years of medical community trying to figure it outby: Beebes

Hello there - appreciate all the great content! I have been diagnosed with EDS and have had the symptoms for 25+ years (I am 42).

I am a textbook case, go figure it took the medical community 20 years to figure it out. My Vit D is 20, potassium was last measured at 2 (was in the hospital as a result) I'm quite sure its higher now but no idea where it sits.

What suggestions do you have for those of us with connective tissue disorders that ultimately effect our joints/tendons/ligaments due to a genetic disorder - one that is rare to boot!

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Joshua Comments:

Hi Beebes.

Well....the hospital medicine community isn't as on top of things nor as science based as we'd like.

Thus it took you 20 years to get a diagnosis, and on average it takes 10 years to diagnose someone with Celiac Disease (which is 11.75 months to 9 years longer than it should take).

Did your doctor help you get your Vit D level up? Is it now between 60-80ng/ml and did it get there by taking VItamin D3 and not Prescription Vit D which is D2?

Go ahead and as any follow up questions/statements either on that thread or this one, either is good.

Oct 29, 2014

Rheumatoid arthritis or Cipro? Took Cipro 3 different times by: Sarah

Hi Jashua,

Thanks allot for your reply.

I have some questions for you:

1- what makes u think it is not RA related?

2- My hands are involved and they started hurting 4 months after I took cipro,is it not suspicious? since my knee and shoulders started hurting in a month but it tool 4 months for my hands and the pain is very progressive...

3- I'm using Magnesium chloride and it is really helping me.But I need to apply it 3-4 times a day.my rheumy once again told me Magnesium helps ppl with RA too...

I am going to buy the ebook you mentioned.

Please comment on my questions...very appreciated...

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Joshua Comments:

Hi Sarah.

1. Rheumatoid arthritis generally behaves differently, shows up differently, progresses differently. Also, MRI confirmed you didn't have it, as far as I could tell, from what you said.

You could have RA, sure. Let's hope so, as that's generally a by product of gluten intolerance and Leaky Gut Leaky Gut (will open a new page from Kerri's www-easy-immune-health.com site)

2. Suspicious for what? RA or Cipro side effects?

Cipro side effects can show up 4 months later, absolutely. Predictibly, down the line other pains/problems will show up too as the body heads down a downward spiral.

The ebook will explain that more. BTW, we just changed the name of The Levaquin Tendonitis Solution to the Fluoroquinolone Toxicity Solution, so you may hit either of those on by following the link we sent you to.

3. Magnesium is a Master Nutrient. It's good for all sorts of things (350+ transactions in the body). But, Cipro depletes magnesium from the body, so that's a good sign that you have noticeable benefit from topical magnesium. Are you doing any oral magnesium at all?

Oct 29, 2014

What is the different between arthritis joint pain and tendonitis joint pain?by: Anonymous

Hi

I am developing join pain probably due to Fluro but I don't know if it is arthritis joint pain and tendonitis joint pain? what is the difference?

Thanks

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Joshua Comments:

Hi Anonymous.

If you're developing joint pain from a Fluoroquinolone antibiotic, the question is moot and irrelevant.

But taking fluoroquinolones out of the equation...

- arthritis joint pain is a function of irritated joint lining and inflammation (from a variety of factors including all the factors that cause tendonitis pain)

9 months, 18 years old. Cant even unload a dishwasher due to shoulder injury and resulting all over tendonitisby: Thomas

Somewhere during last Feb/march (of 2014) I injured my sholder in wrestling. it got slightly better 3/4 times and i kept re injuring it at tournaments.

I did this because it was my last year; i was finaly good. My shoulder pain finaly after provincials became worse.

I was pressured to weigtlift in my gym class because of my jerk of a teacher. I needed the class to graduate. He wanted me to work through my pain so i did.

Finaly at the end of the year after avoiding sholder exersises for months i gave up exercise to get better (after seeing massage thearapy and physio) and it seemed like it was finaly getting better during June of this year.

Then i went to weightlifitng again... and i felt some pain in the bottom of my right bicep and forearm(same arm as shoulder rotator cuff injury).

I hurt it again. So i told myself i would give my self 3 times the heal, time to get better. so i completely stopped using my right arm and for a few months it started to get better. then my other shoulder started hurting. then my arms. both of them.

Since then, i have been getting pain everywhere. i now have throbbing &sharp pain in both my shoulders.on the sides and the front. in my forearms and my biceps.

Now my wrists tanked and are doing the same. I dont know what to do. i have been completely resting both arms since the summer. 4 months off work. off activity. all i can do is lie in bed, watch tv. play board games.

Im getting desperate. no one, no dr. knows why this is. My IMS/Physio says that it is an issue with my back. i have been getting needle thearpy for allmost a month.

I was getting better. finaly i could wake up in the moring without pain. But all of a sudden, with no change to my everyday life, no phisical trama... they are back to chronic pain. can barely cook. hold up a book. in pain for the last week like i had never healed at all.. I am at a loss. This Tendonitus wont quit no matter how much i rest.

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Joshua Comments:

Hi Thomas.

Multiple areas of tendonis points to a few things, one of them being nutritional insufficiency.

Also, depending on what you did to your shoulder, you could still have a 'source' of pain and problem.

1. It sounds like you weren't actually 'getting better'. Pain levels can go down without the issue actually getting better.

In your case, it clearly wasn't.

2. What did you do to your shoulder? What was the injury? Did you rip/tear something? Either way, how do you know?

6. Why did the person that said it's a back problem think that it's a back problem?

Jan 04, 2015

migrating joint/tendon painby: Aida

I think after reading a lot of these posts I know, generally, what I need to do: eat more protein, eat more healthy fats (omegas), take vitamin D (D3, not D2), take magnesium supplements or bathe with magnesium or use topical magnesium, and decrease or go off gluten (and possibly dairy?) entirely.

But I still want to run my situation by you to see if you have anything to add, or whether you can help me with the specifics.

I am 47 years old and have been running since I was about 12. I've had debilitating episodes of lower back pain (SI joint) since I was about 16.

These have improved with pilates work, but not gone away. In the past few years, I've suffered from recurrent calf cramping when running, have sprained an ankle (pretty badly), and had a lot of hip/pelvic joint pain.

Last July, I had pain at the insertion point of my hamstring into the pelvic area (sorry don't know the anatomical terminology). It seemed that this was from a shortage of stretching.

I am a single mother with a 4 and 7 year old, work full time, and barely squeeze in time to run - meaning stretching has often been shortchanged. I went to massage therapy, physical therapy, and a chiropractor.

I basically took 6 months off of running (until now). Never saw a doctor - lost faith in that realm. The pain moved to lower in my hamstring. Then my the side of my hip started getting "stuck" - crampy and tight and painful. Then my hip joint in the front - hip flexor area started hurting.

Every time I tried to jog, the whole leg felt inhibited at the part that it attaches to my body -front, side, and back. During this long time off of running that did NOT heal the injury, the knee on the other side of my body started hurting. While I was not even running!

Have never had knee problems before ... Just in the past couple of weeks I started seeing a new PT who has helped me with my form. As a result, my hamstring/hip pain has gotten a lot better and I am just starting to jog a little again.

Meanwhile, again: while I was NOT running at all, my lower back flared up and I have had a really hard time getting rid of that pain for a couple of months. It has subsided though and is better as my hip/hamstring are improving. Then yesterday my elbow starts to hurt. I have all the painful symptoms of tennis elbow.

Apparently from everyday activities like typing and brushing/braiding my daughters big head of curly hair. It hurts a lot - hard to pick up a glass of water, etc. Plus my old ankle sprain from a couple of years ago is hurting. Plus my knee is not right. But my back and hip are better!

I haven't seen a doctor. Don't see the point. Have been a vegetarian since I was 12. Do eat dairy but don't drink cow's milk. Busy and worn out and generally feel like I don't eat enough.

Questions:

1) How much vitamin D to take?

2) How much magnesium to take? And how best to take it (topically, baths, orally)?

2.5) How much omegas to take, and which omegas? Other than fish, where to get them in food?

3) How to know whether to go off dairy/gluten completely or just reduce them? Could you reduce and see a positive affect or do you need to discontinue to see positive affect?

4) What do you think about MSM and/or glucosamine chondroitin for addressing my issues?

Additionally, last winter my wrist and knee were hurting and I was tested for RA since my sister has it (and she also was recently diagnosed with MS, so if there may be autoimmune illness genetic factors in our family?). I tested negative on a couple (few?) blood tests and by examination by the rheumatologist.

I just feel like it can't be normal that an otherwise healthy person like myself has all this joint/muscle/tendon pain constantly traveling around my body and I need to do something about it! Like so many others, I am passionate about running and want to enjoy doing it again regularly!

Also very importantly, I want to raise my kids strong nutritionally, and I am raising them as vegetarians so want to know how to appropriately supplement their diets. We eat healthily with almost zero processed food, lots of healthy veggies and beans and brown rice, nuts, avocados, etc -- but I am guessing that we are still deficient.

I want to correct this to help with my symptoms and to prevent them from arriving where I have when they are older. Do I make the same changes for them that I am going to make for me, once I figure out what those changes are precisely? Just in lower doses of everything?

Are their people who specialize in all of this nutritional knowledge with whom I could consult personally? Obviously not your typical nutritionist who plans meals for nursing homes and public schools.

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR HELP!

Aida

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Joshua Comments:

Hi Aida.

Answering from the bottom to the top.

"Are their people who specialize in all of this nutritional knowledge with whom I could consult personally? "

Functional Medicine Practitioners, if you have any in your area.

"Do I make the same changes for them that I am going to make for me"

Basically, yes. If you're nutritionally insufficient, chances are more than high that they are too. They have youth going for them...but youth (and everthing else) loses out to nutritional insufficiency in the med and long term.

"I am passionate about running and want to enjoy doing it again regularly!"

Then (like you've started on the path to do so) you need to learn not just how to run, but how to make a running machine. Meaning, how to get your body strong and happy. It's not nearly as fun as running, but it's vital if you want to run again.

"I just feel like it can't be normal that an otherwise healthy person like myself has all this joint/muscle/tendon pain constantly traveling around my body"

I get what you're saying, but the fact is, you're not 'healthy'. I mean, in some ways of course you are, but it will be valuable for you to realize that you're hurting (partly) because your body is not healthy enough to withstand and recover from the rigors of running.

You've broken down over time because your body didn't have what it needed to operate optimally.

That may or may not be 100% true, but it's a smart place to work from. "I'm not healthy, so I'm going to get healthy", as opposed to "I'm healthy, I just don't understand why I hurt and can't move and it's getting progressively worse while I rest".

Gluten, absoultely. It's an inflammatory agent. I'd go off it entirely. Especially if you have any Leaky Gut (will open a new page from Kerri's www-easy-immune-health.com site), which you just might. Gluten causes leaky gut. Decreases nutritional intake and increases systemic inflammation.

Gluten (new hybrids especially, as opposed to 'old world' as there's more gluten in the new stuff, pluss all the gmo and insecticids/pesticides sprayed on it) is like eating gasoline. You can probably have a little, but it's bad in the long run.

YOu have what you have, your sister has (theoretically) MS, everybody should go off the gluten.